Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Open Continuous

United States Attorneys' Offices; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 76,581 - 182,031; Full time

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices in the District of New Mexico seeks Assistant United States Attorneys for positions in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. The role involves prosecuting federal crimes and handling complex cases as training progresses. Applicants must be U.S.

citizens, possess a J.D. and bar admission, and meet pre-employment adjudication requirements. Residency within the district or 25 miles is required; selective service registration may apply.

Qualifications

• Citizen or national of the United States.
• J.D. degree and active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Initial appointment conditioned on satisfactory pre-employment adjudication including fingerprint, credit and tax checks and drug testing.
• Must be registered for Selective Service (if applicable).
• Must reside in the district or within 25 miles thereof.

Responsibilities

• Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to manage criminal investigations and prosecutions in federal court.
• Advise federal agents on legal and policy matters.
• Recommend charging decisions and propose dispositions for assigned cases.
• Research and draft all legal pleadings; be prepared to try cases in federal court.
• Investigate and pursue asset forfeiture related to prosecutions.
• Oversee and coordinate preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff.

Skills

Strong analytical ability

Superior oral and writing skills

Strong research

Interpersonal skills

Good judgment

Education

J.D. degree

Active bar membership

Job description

Summary

Announcement open until positions are filled. First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by April 22, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. Positions are located in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Duties

Assistant United States Attorneys in the District of New Mexico prosecute a wide variety of federal crimes, including national security breaches, child exploitation, public corruption, transnational organized crime, violent crime, illegal immigration, trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, and targeted prosecutions of Cartels and other designated terrorist organizations. Responsibilities will increase and assignments become more complex as training and experience progress.

Security Requirements

Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.

Residency Requirements

Must reside in the district to which the position is appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Selective Service

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System, or an exemption under applicable law.

Requirements

• United States Citizen or National.
• J.D. degree and an active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Initial appointment conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must reside in the district or within 25 miles thereof.

Qualifications

• Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to manage criminal investigations and prosecutions in federal court.
• Advise federal agents on legal and policy matters.
• Recommend charging decisions and propose dispositions for assigned cases.
• Research and draft all legal pleadings; be prepared to try cases in federal court.
• Investigate and pursue asset forfeiture related to prosecutions.
• Oversee and coordinate preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical ability and ability to articulate critical case issues accurately and precisely.
• Superior oral and writing skills, strong research, interpersonal skills, and good judgment.
• Excellent communication and courtroom skills, able to work professionally with attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.

Salary Information

• Albuquerque, N.M.: $77,581 to $182,031 (includes 18.33% locality pay).
• Las Cruces, N.M.: $76,749 to $180,077 (includes 17.06% locality pay).

Other 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. Relocation expenses will not be authorized; relocation incentives may be authorized if the position is difficult to fill and funds are available.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required.

Political Appointees (Current or Former)

Employment offers for current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non‑Career SES employees in the Executive Branch are subject to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) authorization. Disclosure is required; nondisclosure could result in disciplinary action.

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.