Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

U.S. Department of Justice; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for the role of Assistant United States Attorney in Houston. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in a challenging and rewarding career in public service, where you will be part of a team committed to enforcing federal laws and ensuring justice. The role involves prosecuting a range of criminal cases, from organized crime to white-collar offenses, in a fast-paced environment. If you are a motivated attorney looking to make a significant impact while developing your legal skills, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. Degree and be an active member of the bar.
• At least 1 year post-J.D. legal or relevant experience required.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute violations and enforce federal laws in the Criminal Division.
• Handle a varied caseload with frequent courtroom appearances.

Skills

Legal Research

Writing Skills

Analytical Skills

Courtroom Experience

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

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 and representing 8.3 million people from the Houston area to the Mexico border. Employment with the U.S. Attorney's Office is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience for the highly motivated attorney.

This position is located in Houston, Texas.

First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by April 11, 2025, at 11:59pm EST. Applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career in public service, consider applying to be an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Southern District of Texas. As an AUSA, you will join the more than 100,000 dedicated public servants of the Department of Justice and will further the Department's mission of enforcing federal law, defending the interests of the United States, seeking just punishment for the guilty, and ensuring the impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is at the forefront of national efforts to secure the border, stem narcotics trafficking, and deter and punish violent crime, and, as such, practicing in this district offers a fast-paced, challenging, and varied caseload, with frequent courtroom appearances.

Although the hiring process is rigorous and highly selective, if selected you will find that being an Assistant United States Attorney is more than just a job; you will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce federal criminal and civil laws that protect the life, liberty, and property of your fellow citizens.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions in the Criminal Division in our Houston, 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.

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

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.
• J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
• Type of Position: This is a Term position not-to-exceed March 31, 2028. This position may be extended or made permanent without further competition.
• 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, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

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. Relevant favorable experience includes investigating and prosecuting or defending criminal offenses. Expertise in grand jury practice is also desirable, as is experience with investigative and prosecution techniques.

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

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

All initial attorney positions to the Department of Justice are made on a 14-month (temporary) basis.

This position is located in Houston, Texas.