Assistant United States Attorney - Civil

United States Attorneys' Offices; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 66,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation assistance

Travel opportunities

Job summary

United States Attorneys' Offices in Texas seeks an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to handle high-stakes civil and criminal matters in the Southern District of Texas. You will litigate complex cases in federal court, lead investigations, and advance the Department of Justice's mission across Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, and Brownsville.

The position offers a competitive AD pay scale (AD-21 to AD-29) with a signing bonus of $20,000 and potential relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active bar membership by start date.
• United States citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Tackle high-stakes cases and lead complex investigations and litigation.
• Represent the United States in federal court.
• Contribute to enforcement of federal law and public service within a large, dynamic district.

Skills

Courtroom experience

Legal research and writing

Analytical ability

Teamwork

Education

J.D. degree

Tools

Computer proficiency

Legal research tools

Job description

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.

Position Location

Position located in Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, or Brownsville, Texas.

Duties

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.

About the Office

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill AUSA positions in the Civil Division in our Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, or Brownsville, 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.

If selected, the individual will be working 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.

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

Pay & Benefits

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 $65,563 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay.

Candidates selected for an AUSA position under this job posting 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.

The selected individual will serve in the Civil Division, in Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, or Brownsville, TX.

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

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.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

This position is located in Corpus Christi, Laredo, Brownsville or McAllen, Texas.

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

Education

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

Salary Information

We are hiring for this position at pay grades AD-21 through AD-29. The current salary range for AD-21 through AD-29 is $65,563 to $197,100.00, including applicable locality pay.

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

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

Conflict of Interest

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Political Appointees

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. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

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

Other Information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.