Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

U.S. Department of Justice; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation incentive

Travel support

Job summary

The Southern District of Texas, based in Laredo, TX, is seeking an Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) to handle a fast-paced, high-stakes criminal docket. You will represent the United States in federal court, lead investigations, and contribute to prosecuting major cases with integrity and professionalism.

Ideal candidates possess a J.D. degree, active bar status, and strong legal writing and research skills, with prior courtroom experience.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar by duty date.
• United States citizenship is required.
• Courtroom experience is preferred.
• Strong legal research and writing abilities, with analytical acumen.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal criminal cases in SDTX courtrooms.
• Lead investigations and complex litigation from inception to conclusion.
• Represent the United States in federal court proceedings.
• Collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies to pursue justice.

Education

J.D. degree (or equivalent)

US citizenship

Legal research

Legal writing

Courtroom experience

Job description

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Hiring Organization

USAO Southern District of Texas

Hiring Office

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job ID

27-SDTX-13082490-AUSA

Location: U.S. Attorney’s Office

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

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 Laredo, Texas.

Job Description

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.

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.

Our Criminal Division AUSA positions 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 $79,718.00 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.

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.

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

This position is located in Laredo, TX.

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

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 $79,718.00 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 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.

Travel

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

Number of Positions

Few

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.