Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

About the role

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is among the largest and busiest in the nation, spanning 43 counties and 44,000 square miles and representing 8.3 million people from the Houston area to the Mexico border. Employment with the U.S. Attorney's Office is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience for the highly motivated attorney.

Responsibilities

• Litigate a broad range of cases involving significant, complex issues on behalf of the United States in federal court.
• Issue warrants.
• Defend habeas corpus cases.
• Seek injunctions.
• Defend asylum and passport cases.
• Engage in general civil litigation.

Requirements

• Must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications: Must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered, subject to the foregoing requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications: Strong academic credentials, superior legal research and writing skills, quick analytical ability, high-volume courtroom experience, outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a supportive and professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials, is preferred. Successful candidates will be computer proficient, capable of doing their own legal research and writing, and self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Pay

The range of pay for this position (including locality) is $88,510.00 to $197,100.00.

Other Benefits

Additional information

Application Process

• Submit a cover letter addressed to the United States Attorney.
• Submit a writing sample, no more than 20 pages demonstrating your ability to write persuasively. The sample should be your own individual work and composed within the last three years.

Reasonable Accommodations

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.