Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (TERM)

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 10 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 highly motivated attorneys. This position is located in Brownsville, McAllen, Corpus Christi, or Laredo, TX.

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) sits at the front line of the most consequential legal work in America: securing our border, dismantling narcotics trafficking networks, holding fraudsters who steal from the public accountable, and taking violent criminals off the streets. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you will lead major cases and investigations from day one, carrying a fast-paced, varied caseload in one of the busiest, most dynamic districts in the country.

About the role

This position is in the Civil Division, where you will litigate a broad range of cases involving significant, complex issues on behalf of the United States in federal court. You will work on land condemnation matters and related cases involving the border with Mexico, as well as immigration enforcement matters, issuing warrants, defending asylum and passport cases, and general civil litigation. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed 09/30/2029, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent position without further competition. The position may be filled at any grade from AD-21 to AD-29, with salary determined based on years of professional attorney experience. The selected individual will serve in Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, or Corpus Christi, TX.

Responsibilities

• Litigate civil cases on behalf of the United States in federal court, including land condemnation, immigration enforcement, asylum, passport cases, and general civil matters.
• Issue warrants and handle complex legal issues related to border security and federal civil laws.
• Prepare and argue cases in court, with increasing responsibility as experience progresses.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team of attorneys, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and manage day-to-day correspondence.

Requirements

• Must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by the entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking the July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• Must register for Selective Service if applicable (male applicants born after December 31, 1959).
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (28 U.S.C. 545).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction by entry on duty date.
• United States citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong academic credentials and superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability to articulate critical case-related issues.
• High-volume courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials.
• Outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a professional team environment with AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Computer proficiency for legal research, writing, and preparing correspondence and pleadings.

Pay

Assistant United States Attorney pay is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience. The salary range for this position (including locality) is $76,748.00 to $197,100.00.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Life insurance and health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Schedule

• Travel: 1 to 5 nights per month on average.