Assistant United States Attorney -TERM (Civil) Border Fence

About the role

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 8.3 million people from the Houston area to the Mexico border (Border Fence). Employment with the U.S. Attorney's Office is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience for the highly motivated attorney.

Responsibilities

• Litigation of a broad range of cases involving significant, complex issues on behalf of the United States in federal court.
• Working on land condemnation matters and related cases involving the border with Mexico.
• Issuing warrants and defending asylum and passport cases.
• Engaging in general civil litigation matters.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications: 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, subject to the foregoing requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications: Strong academic credentials, superior legal research and writing skills, quick analytical ability, high-volume courtroom experience, outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a supportive and professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials, is preferred. Successful candidates will be computer proficient, capable of doing their own legal research and writing, and self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Benefits

• The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Pay

• The range of pay for this position (including locality pay) is from $88,510 to $197,100.

Other

• Travel: 1 to 5 nights per month on average.
• Additional information: Salary Information, Education, Additional information, Type of Position, How you will be evaluated, Evaluation Method, Required: Cover letter, Writing sample, Required: Writing sample, no more than 20 pages demonstrating your ability to write persuasively. The sample should be your own individual work and composed within the last three years.
• Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for an interview, contact the hiring agency.