Some cases will be the responsibility of the Civil Division. When a case is being handled by a Civil Division attorney, the United States Attorney shall assign an Assistant United States Attorney to act as local counsel. The local counsel shall assist the Civil Division attorney in some, or all, of the following ways:

1. 1. advising Civil Division counsel of local rules and procedures;
2. 2. signing court filings, if required by local court rules;
3. 3. attending court hearings or conferences; and
4. 4. providing assistance in the litigation of the case if necessary.

Some cases, particularly in the fraud and other affirmative enforcement areas, will be handled jointly by attorneys from the Civil Division and a USAO. In such cases, the attorneys will coordinate their efforts in a manner which maximizes the efficient use of Departmental resources. In these instances, the Civil Division must authorize filing suit, closing or settling the case.

[updated April 2018]