Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Open Continuous

About the role

This announcement will be open until positions are filled. However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by May 12, 2026, 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Applicant lists will be reviewed approximately every 30 days.

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico is hiring civil litigators to work on civil defensive cases, including cases relating to border and immigration issues.

The positions advertised are located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Duties of Civil Assistant United States Attorneys

• Represent the federal government and its agencies in civil ligation in the District of New Mexico.
• Defend the United States in civil litigation, including in a vast array of cases, such as immigration, administrative, employment, and torts cases.
• Provide candid and professional assessments of litigation risks to client agencies.
• Bring affirmative civil cases on behalf of the United States to pursue civil penalties and recover wrongfully obtained taxpayer funds.
• Manage civil cases at all stages of litigation, including through appeal.
• Take depositions, prepare and answer discovery, negotiate fair and just settlements, engage in motions practice, try cases, draft appellate briefs, and argue cases before United States district and appellate judges.

Requirements

• Must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Hiring preference will be given to applicants with prior trial experience and those who have demonstrated the ability to handle complex cases from the initial investigative stage through trial.
• Must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a case.
• Must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills, as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment.
• Must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies.

Qualifications

• The U.S. Attorney's Office is seeking qualified, experienced AUSAs to:
• Partner with federal agencies and law enforcement to manage civil investigations and litigation brought in the federal courts in the District of New Mexico.
• Advise federal agencies on questions of law and Departmental policy.
• Research and draft all legal pleadings and be prepared to try cases in federal court.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff.

Security Requirements

• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing.
• Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

Residency Requirements

• Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.

Selective Service

• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

J.D. Degree and Active Bar Membership

• A J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.

Additional Information

• EEO Statement/Policy
• Benefits
• Travel