Here's a breakdown:
* Juris Doctor (J.D.): This is the mandatory requirement. You must graduate from an accredited law school.
* Beyond the J.D.: While not strictly required, many AUSAs have additional experience or education:
* Clerkship: A judicial clerkship (working for a judge) is highly valued and significantly boosts candidacy.
* Master's Degree: Some AUSAs may hold advanced degrees in areas relevant to their practice area (e.g., an LLM in taxation for tax crimes). This is not common, however.
* Specialized Training/Experience: Experience in specific fields like financial crimes, cybercrime, or international law can be highly advantageous, though not always formally through a degree program.
In short: A J.D. from an accredited law school is the minimum requirement. Strong academic credentials, relevant experience, and potentially further education beyond the J.D. can significantly improve your chances of getting hired.