Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

U.S. Department of Justice; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 89,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas in Houston is hiring an Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal). The role involves handling complex federal criminal matters, appearing in court, and advising investigative agencies.

The position is located in Houston, TX, with a salary range in the Administrative Determined pay plan and a signing bonus upon appointment. Qualified candidates must possess a J.D.

Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by their entry on duty date.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Strong academic credentials, superior legal research and writing skills, quick analytical ability, and high-volume courtroom experience are preferred.
• Must be able to work in a professional team environment with other AUSAs, staff, and investigative agencies.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal criminal cases in the Southern District of Texas.
• Appear in court and manage case files with precision.
• Collaborate with investigators and other federal agencies.
• Prepare day-to-day pleadings and legal correspondence.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical ability

Courtroom experience

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Ethics

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. degree

Bar admission

Job description

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Hiring Organization

USAO Southern District of Texas

Hiring Office

Criminal Division (Houston, TX)

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job ID

27-SDTX-13082074-AUSA

Location: Wells Fargo Plaza Building

Application Deadline:

Saturday, January 9, 2027

About the Office

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) sits at the front line of the most consequential legal work in America: securing our border, dismantling narcotics trafficking networks, holding fraudsters who steal from the public accountable, and taking violent criminals off the streets. If you want a legal career that matters-not just a job that pays- this is it.

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you won't sit on the sidelines or wait years to cut your teeth leading major cases and investigations. You'll be in courtrooms across from one of the busiest, most dynamic districts in the country, carrying a fast‑paced, varied caseload from day one. And you'll do it in the furtherance of the Department of Justice's mission to enforce federal law, defend the interests of the United States, and ensure justice is administered impartially for every American.

This work is hard, and the hiring process is rigorous. We're looking for prosecutors—both aspiring and experienced—with sound judgment, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. In return, you'll join a team doing some of the most important public service work in the country: protecting the life, liberty, and property of your fellow citizens.

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

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest and busiest U.S. Attorney's Offices 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 attorneys.

This position is located in Houston, Texas.

Job Description

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 ... (detailed responsibilities omitted for brevity).

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 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.

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.

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.

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 $88,510 to $197,000, 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 will not be authorized.

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

Number of Positions

Few

Travel

Occasional travel – you may be expected to travel for this position.

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, Non‑career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office by providing a copy of your applicable SF‑50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non‑career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

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.