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 carry a fast-paced, varied caseload from day one, leading major cases and investigations 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 matters. 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 potential for extension or conversion to a permanent position without further competition. The position may be filled at any AD grade from 21 to 29, determined by years of professional attorney experience.

Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Responsibilities

• Litigate federal civil cases, including land condemnation, immigration enforcement, asylum and passport defense, and general civil matters.
• Issue warrants and handle complex legal issues on behalf of the United States.
• Progress to more complex assignments and increased responsibilities as experience grows.
• Work collaboratively with AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies in a professional team environment.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required.
• Applicants 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.
• 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 be registered 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.

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 supportive and professional team environment with AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Computer proficiency, including self-sufficient legal research and writing, and preparation of day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Pay

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

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Life insurance and health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Schedule

Travel: 1 to 5 nights per month on average.

This is a temporary position not-to-exceed 09/30/2029.