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

About the role

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 handle a fast-paced, varied caseload from day one, leading major cases and investigations in one of the busiest, most dynamic districts in the country.

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. Assignments include land condemnation matters and related cases involving the border with Mexico, 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 grade generally determined by years of professional attorney experience. The selected individual will serve in Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, or Corpus Christi, TX.

First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by September 04, 2026, at 11:59pm EST. The applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Litigate a broad range of civil cases in federal court on behalf of the United States, including land condemnation and border-related matters, immigration enforcement, asylum and passport cases, and general civil litigation.
• Handle a fast-paced, varied caseload from day one, with increasing responsibility and complexity as experience progresses.
• Prepare and argue cases in courtrooms across the Southern District of Texas.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team of AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and prepare 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 a July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (see 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information).
• 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).
• Applicants must familiarize themselves and comply with relevant rules of professional conduct regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong academic credentials and superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability to accurately and precisely 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 the ability to conduct independent legal research and writing.
• Self-sufficiency in preparing 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 comprehensive health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Schedule

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