Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Department Of Justice; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 76,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal legal agency is seeking Assistant United States Attorneys in Austin, TX. Successful candidates will prosecute diverse federal crimes, assist law enforcement in investigations, and represent the U.S. in appeals. Required qualifications include a J.D. degree and an active bar membership. The position offers competitive salary ranging from $76,017 to $195,100 based on locality. Comprehensive benefits and a permanent appointment are included.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health benefits

Life insurance

Federal Employees Retirement System

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
• At least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• Must be a United States Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute a wide variety of federal crimes.
• Assist federal law enforcement agents in investigative plans.
• Represent the United States before the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Skills

Strong academics

Outstanding organizational skills

Superior legal writing

Research ability

Analytical ability

Excellent courtroom skills

Professionalism

Education

J.D. degree from an accredited institution

Job description

Summary

Our mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. We strive to build a stronger office through recruitment efforts and by promoting professional development. We seek to further build on the legacy of excellence built by those who have come before us.

Overview

Open & Closing dates: 10 / 01 / 2025 to 12 / 31 / 2025

Salary: $73,939 to $195,100 per year (Pay scale & grade AD 21)

Locations: Alpine, TX; Austin, TX; Del Rio, TX; El Paso, TX; Midland, TX; San Antonio, TX. Remote job not telework eligible. Relocation expenses reimbursed. No Appointment type: Permanent. Work schedule: Full-time. Service: Excepted.

Job Family (Series)

• 0905 Attorney

Conditions of Employment

• Initial appointment conditioned upon satisfactory preemployment adjudication (fingerprint, credit, tax checks, drug testing). Continued employment subject to favorable background investigation.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof.
• J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
• Voluntary: include relevant education accredited by recognized institution.

Trust Determination Process

• National security

Duties

Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Criminal Division prosecute a wide variety of federal crimes. Tasks include investigating and prosecuting cases involving illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, human smuggling, and transnational organized crime. AUSAs assist federal law enforcement agents in structuring investigative plans and strategies and litigate cases from start to finish.

Appellate AUSAs represent the United States before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and handle all aspects of appeals from criminal cases. Responsibilities include appellate briefs, oral arguments, reviewing draft briefs, and participating in moot courts. AUSAs also advise the U.S. Attorney, handle specialized litigation in district court, and consult with the Solicitor General’s Office and the Criminal Division on appeals and Supreme Court litigation.

Responsibilities grow in complexity as training and experience progress.

Security Requirements

Initial appointment conditioned upon satisfactory preemployment adjudication (fingerprint, credit, tax checks, drug testing). Continued employment subject to favorable background investigation.

Residency Requirements

Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are 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.

Qualifications

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 required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academics and outstanding organizational skills.
• Superior legal writing and research ability.
• Demonstrated analytical ability and good judgment.
• Excellent courtroom skills and commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.

Compensation

• Alpine / Pecos, Del Rio, Midland, El Paso: $73,939 to $193,394 (includes 17.06% locality pay).
• San Antonio: $75,025 to $195,100 (includes 18.78% locality pay).
• Austin: $76,017 to $195,100 (includes 20.35% locality pay).

Benefits

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

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.

Required Documents

• Online Occupational Questionnaire responses.
• Cover letter listing preferred job location(s) in order of preference.
• Resume not exceeding two pages.
• Official position title, employer name and contact information, start and end dates (month, day, year), indicate full‑time or hours per week if part‑time, and a list of duties performed and accomplishments.
• If applicable, Veterans’ Preference information and supporting documentation.

Evaluation Method

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. An attorney interview panel will review all qualified applicants and recommend candidates for interview. The Occupational Questionnaire takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Veterans’ Preference

Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference must indicate their preference in the assessment questionnaire and provide supporting documentation. The Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility a positive factor in attorney hiring.

Political Appointees

Political appointees must disclose information and may need to submit an SF‑50 and statement with position title, type of appointment, agency, and appointment dates.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities

The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities to apply. Individuals with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire under Schedule A. Contact a Disability Points of Contact to express interest.

Other Information

Relocation expenses will not be authorized. Occasional travel expected. All initial attorney appointments made on a 14‑month temporary basis pending favorable adjudication.