Assistant United States Attorney

Overview United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas — Attorney appointment type: Permanent. Job ID: 26-SDTX-13005232-AUSA. Location: 1701 W. Highway 83, McAllen, TX. Application Deadline: 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, representing 8.3 million people from the Houston area to the Mexico border. Employment with the U.S. Attorney's Office is a challenging and rewarding experience for a motivated attorney. The office enforces federal law, defends the interests of the United States, seeks just punishment for the guilty, and ensures impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The district focuses on border security, narcotics trafficking, and deterring and punishing violent crime, offering a fast-paced and varied caseload with frequent courtroom appearances. Position location: McAllen, Texas. Responsibilities Prosecute a variety of federal violations and enforce federal laws related to organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime. Appear in court as needed and contribute to high-quality legal work within the Criminal Division. Advance professional ethics, teamwork with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies, and uphold the Department of Justice mission. Qualifications Required Qualifications: J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active bar admission (any U.S. jurisdiction) by entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered, subject to the above requirements. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Strong academic credentials, excellent legal research and writing skills, and the ability to articulate critical case-related issues. High-volume courtroom experience, strong organizational and time management skills, and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment with other AUSAs and investigative agencies. Courtroom experience (including first-chair jury trials) is preferred. Proficiency in computer use for research and drafting, and the ability to prepare day-to-day correspondence and pleadings independently. Other notes: Positions may be filled from this announcement. The McAllen, TX office is the designated location. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Residency and Eligibility Residency: Generally reside in the district or within 25 miles thereof. Selective Service: If male and born after December 31, 1959, you must certify registration or exemption. See Application Process and Documentation Applications are evaluated based on meeting the qualifications. An attorney interview panel will review qualified applicants and invite selectees to interview. The occupational questionnaire will take about 20 minutes to complete. Required documents include: Cover letter addressed to the United States Attorney. Writing sample (no more than 20 pages) demonstrating persuasive writing; it should be your own work and within the last three years. Other requirements and notes: Online application via USAJOBS; complete the occupational questionnaire; ensure all responses and documents are submitted prior to the closing date. Federal employment considerations, veterans' preference information, and documentation if applicable. Reasonable accommodations available; notify the agency to request accommodations on a case-by-case basis. You must provide a complete application package, including: online questionnaire, resume (not to exceed two pages), and relevant employment history with titles, employer, dates, hours, and duties. Volunteer experience and non-paid work count toward qualifying experience. Current or former political appointees: OPM authorization may be required. Provide SF-50 documentation where applicable. Salary and Benefits Salary: Assistant United States Attorney pay is determined by experience; the range for this position (including locality) is $76,748.00 to $197,100.00. Other benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Other Details Number of Positions: Few Travel: 1 to 5 nights per month on average Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be authorized For more information, see the vacancy announcements under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. This posting does not constitute an endorsement by the posting organization. The Department of Justice cannot control dissemination of the information contained in the vacancy announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr The United States Department of Justice