Local/State Cop to USAO Forum

[Axel203]

Spring 2018 part-time evening division grad here who works as a sworn law enforcement officer with substantial investigative experience. I am curious if there are any government attorneys out there (USAO, DOJ, or staff attorneys for federal LE agencies) who can comment on the best path to get my foot in the federal door and ultimately end up as an AUSA. The pro's going for me are that I have a law enforcement background, specialized experience in major felony investigations, and kept good grades throughout law school (3.6, at least good considering usual 50-60 hour work weeks). I understand the downside is I did not go to a top tier law school, which I know is huge plus to get hired as an AUSA. Also, since I barely had enough time to go to class at night, I certainly did not have enough time to get any litigation experience in law school. Again, a huge plus for AUSA spots. So, is it more conceivable for me to leverage my LE background upon bar passage and try to secure a spot in any federal attorney role and try to transfer down the road within the fed? Or, would I be best served trying to become a state/district prosecutor and then try to bump up to AUSA after 5 or so years? I'm located in the northeast and would prefer to stay up this way, although I am aware that USAO offices elsewhere in the country might be more attainable. Any advice, input, criticism is welcomed. Thank you all. PM's also welcome.

[Anonymous User]

Either route is possible, except that the feds almost never hire entry-level people (at least not as litigators), so you’re probably better off going the state/local prosecutor route.