Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal

United States Attorneys' Offices; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 77,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation assistance

Travel opportunities

Federal benefits

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Office—Southern District of Texas, Corpus Christi division, seeks an Assistant United States Attorney to prosecute federal offenses and manage complex investigations. You will work with federal agencies to defend the rule of law in court.

This role requires JD and bar admission by start date, with opportunities to handle challenging cases and advance in a busy, mission-driven district. Travel and relocation incentives may apply.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active bar membership by the entry on duty date.
• Strong academic credentials with emphasis on research and writing.
• Ability to manage high-volume courtroom work and complex litigation.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute a variety of federal offenses in federal court.
• Lead investigations and complex litigation with investigative agencies.
• Represent the United States and uphold the rule of law in court.
• Contribute to mission-driven, high-stakes federal prosecutions in SDTX.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Trial experience

Courtroom experience

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. degree

Tools

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.

This position is located in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Duties

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.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill AUSA positions in the Criminal Division in our Corpus Christi, Texas office. Our Criminal Division AUSAs are responsible for prosecuting a variety of violations and enforcing federal laws related to organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white‑collar crime.

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 $77,122.00 to $197,100.00, 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.

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

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

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Location

This position is located in Corpus Christi, TX.

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 $77,122.00 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.

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

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

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.

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. Learn 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.