Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Hiring Organization: USAO Southern District of Texas

Hiring Office: Civil Division (Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Laredo, and McAllen, TX)

Attorney Appointment Type: Attorney Permanent

Job ID: 27-SDTX-13082567-AUSA

Location: United States

Application Deadline: Saturday, January 9, 2027

About the Office

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. If you want a legal career that matters—not just a job that pays—this is it. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you won’t sit on the sidelines or wait years to cut your teeth leading major cases and investigations. You’ll be in courtrooms across from one of the busiest, most dynamic districts in the country, carrying a fast‑paced, varied caseload from day one. And you’ll do it in the furtherance of the Department of Justice’s mission to enforce federal law, defend the interests of the United States, and ensure justice is administered impartially for every American. This work is hard, and the hiring process is rigorous. We’re looking for prosecutors—both aspiring and experienced— with sound judgment, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. In return, you’ll join a team doing some of the most important public service work in the country: protecting the life, liberty, and property of your fellow citizens.

Take on high‑stakes federal cases in one of the nation’s largest and busiest U.S. Attorney’s Offices. SDTX spans 43 counties, 44,000 square miles, and 10 million citizens from Houston to the U.S.‑Mexico border. As an AUSA, you’ll join the elite ranks of federal prosecutors to manage complex litigation, pursue justice, and defend the rule of law. This is a mission for attorneys ready to take action and make a difference.

Position located in

Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, or Brownsville, Texas

Job Description

When selected, the individual 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. The work is demanding, the stakes are real, and the standards are high. We’re looking for attorneys—both aspiring and experienced— with grit, integrity, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated professionals, take ownership of consequential matters, and make a tangible difference in the lives of your fellow Americans.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered, subject to the foregoing requirements.
• United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials, superior legal research and writing skills, quick analytical ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical case‑related issues, 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.
• 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.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Salary Information

We are hiring for this position at pay grades AD‑21 through AD‑29 of the Administratively Determined (AD) Pay Plan. The current salary range for AD‑21 through AD‑29 is $65,563 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay.

The selected individual will receive a $20,000 signing bonus with a 3‑year service commitment. Some candidates may also be eligible for an additional relocation‑expense incentive, which will be discussed on a case‑by‑case basis as applicants navigate through the process.

Other Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses may be authorized. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be considered as appropriate based on qualifications.

Travel

1 to 5 nights per month on average and may vary.

EEO Statement

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non‑merit factor. More information can be found here:

Number of Positions

Few