Assistant United States Attorney - Civil

United States Attorneys' Offices; Houston (TX); Sur place; USD 89 000 - 197 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The United States Attorneys' Office for the Southern District of Texas, based in Houston, Texas, seeks an Assistant United States Attorney to handle civil cases in federal court and to join a dedicated team enforcing federal laws in a high-profile, fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will possess a J.D. degree and be an active bar member, with U.S.

citizenship. The role offers competitive pay grades (AD-21 to AD-29) and incentives, including a $20,000 signing bonus with a 3-year commitment,

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by the entry on duty date.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsabilités

• Litigate a broad range of civil cases on behalf of the United States in federal court.
• Work in the Civil Division to enforce federal civil laws protecting life, liberty, and property.
• Responsibilities may increase and civil assignments become more complex as training and experience progress.

Formation

J.D. degree (or equivalent)

Description du poste

Summary

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.

This position is located in Houston, Texas.

Application Deadline

First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by October 30, 2026, at 11:59pm EST. Applicant list will be reviewed every 14 days.

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is on the front lines of some of the most consequential legal battles in America. From dismantling sophisticated criminal networks and securing our border to combating fraud, protecting federal interests, and defending the rule of law in court, our work has real consequences for the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people. If you want a legal career defined by mission, challenge, and impact-not simply a legal job billing hours-this is your opportunity.

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you won't spend years waiting for meaningful responsibility. You'll tackle high-stakes cases, lead complex investigations and litigation, and represent the United States in federal court. You'll confront difficult legal questions, sharpen your advocacy, and take on challenges that demand sound judgment, intellectual rigor, and courage. In one of the nation's largest, busiest, and most dynamic federal districts, your work will advance the Department of Justice's mission to enforce federal law, defend the interests of the United States, and ensure that justice is administered impartially.

The work is demanding. The stakes are real. 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.

This is more than a job. It's a chance to put your legal skills to the test, shoulder responsibility when it matters, and serve a mission greater than yourself. If you're ready to answer the call, we want to hear from you.

Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill AUSA positions in the Civil Division in our Houston, Texas office. It is an opportunity to litigate a broad range of cases involving significant, complex issues on behalf of the United States in federal court. Working in the Civil Division, you will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce federal civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property.

Responsibilities will increase and civil assignments may become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Compensation

We are hiring for this position at pay grades AD-21 through AD-29 of the Administratively Determined (AD) Pay Plan. These grades generally correspond to an applicant's years of professional attorney experience. For example, AD-21 typically applies to attorneys with 0-2 years of experience, while AD-29 applies to attorneys with 9 or more years.

The current salary range for AD-21 through AD-29 is $88,510 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay.

Candidates selected for an AUSA position under this job posting may be eligible to 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.

The selected individual will serve in the Civil Division, in our Houston, TX office.

Residency Requirements

Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.

Selective Service

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Applicants 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 an upcoming bar examination may be considered.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Applicants 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 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, 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.

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.

Candidates selected for an AUSA position under this job posting may be eligible to 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.

Travel

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

Political Appointees (Current and Former)

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.

EEO Statement/Policy

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: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree by Enter on Duty (EOD) date.

Contact

For more information on the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office, visit:

http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html

http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx

Benefits Reminder

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.