Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

About the Office 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. Employment with the U.S. Attorney's Office is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience for the highly motivated attorney. If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career in public service, consider applying to be an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Southern District of Texas. As an AUSA, you will join the more than 100,000 dedicated public servants of the Department of Justice and will further the Department's mission of enforcing federal law, defending the interests of the United States, seeking just punishment for the guilty, and ensuring the impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is at the forefront of national efforts to secure the border, stem narcotics trafficking, and deter and punish violent crime, and, as such, practicing in this district offers a fast-paced, challenging, and varied caseload, with frequent courtroom appearances. Responsibilities As an AUSA in the Appellate Division, you will research, write appellate briefs and post-conviction responses, and present oral arguments on a variety of complex and novel issues involving the constitution, statutory construction, evidentiary and procedural matters, and sentencing issues. You will be assigned cases arising from offenses relating to immigration, national security, and public safety. You will also provide real-time trial assistance to Criminal Division AUSAs. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Required Qualifications J.D. Degree. Active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction). At least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. United States citizenship. Preferred Qualifications Strong academic credentials. Superior legal research and writing skills. Fast analytical ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical case-related issues. High-volume briefing and appellate courtroom experience. Outstanding organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a supportive and professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies. Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Computer proficiency, independent legal research and writing, self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. Relevant favorable experience includes oral advocacy skills. Application Deadline First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by January 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. The applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days. Benefits Pay range (including locality pay): $85,270 to $195,100. The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Travel 1 to 5 nights per month on average. Relocation Expenses Relocation expenses will not be authorized. EEO Statement The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Location 1000 Louisiana St STE 2300, Houston, TX 77002, United States Number of Positions 1 #J-18808-Ljbffr The United States Department of Justice