USAOs do not ordinarily hire AUSAs directly from law school or clerkships. The limited exception to this practice is the Department of Justice’s Honors Program, which typically includes some AUSA positions. If accepted through the Honors Program, an applicant can become an AUSA straight out of a clerkship or fellowship. For the most part, however, AUSAs are hired at least three but more commonly four to eight years out of law school, after a clerkship and/or time litigating for a law firm, working as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA), or obtaining comparable litigation experience, perhaps at a state Attorney General’s or City Attorney’s office. Hiring decisions are holistic, and rest on one’s academic record, litigation experience, writing skills, commitment to public service, personal recommendations, and interviews.
https://hls.harvard.edu/bernard-koteen-office-of-public-inte...