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. 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 September 30, 2029, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent position without further competition. The position may be filled at any grade level from AD-21 to AD-29, with salary determined based on years of professional attorney experience.

Responsibilities

• Litigate civil cases on behalf of the United States in federal court, including land condemnation, immigration enforcement, asylum and passport defense, and general civil matters.
• Handle a fast-paced, varied caseload from day one, with increasing responsibility and complexity as experience progresses.
• Work collaboratively with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies in a professional team environment.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and prepare day-to-day correspondence independently.
• Appear in courtrooms across the Southern District of Texas, including potential first-chair jury trial experience.

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.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (28 U.S.C. 545).
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment 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).

Qualifications

Required:

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

Preferred:

• Strong academic credentials and superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability to articulate critical case-related issues accurately and precisely.
• 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 and capability to conduct independent legal research and writing.

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 to $197,100.

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.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with professional conduct rules regarding potential conflicts of interest. If you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters involving this office, or have a family member who does, notify the office to evaluate potential conflicts.