Assistant United States Attorney - TERM (Civil)

United States Attorneys' Offices; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 76,748 - 197,100; Full time

Job summary

Assistant United States Attorney – Civil Division in the Southern District of Texas seeks a qualified attorney to represent the United States in federal civil litigation. Based in Brownsville, McAllen, Corpus Christi, or Laredo, TX, this role offers diverse matters including land condemnation and immigration enforcement.

First-round consideration occurs by August 7, 2026, with reviews every 30 days. This is a temporary appointment through September 30, 2029, with travel as needed and a

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active bar membership by entry-on-duty date.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Willingness to reside within the district or within 25 miles.
• U.S. Selective Service registration if applicable.
• Positive pre-employment adjudication (fingerprint, credit, tax, drug testing).

Responsibilities

• Advocate for the United States in federal civil litigation.
• Appear in court, prepare pleadings, conduct legal research, and develop case strategies.
• Collaborate with AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Progress to more complex assignments as training and experience advance.

Skills

Strong legal research

Legal writing skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Assistant United States Attorney – Civil Division

We are seeking a qualified attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. The position will be based in Brownsville, McAllen, Corpus Christi, or Laredo, Texas.

First round consideration: applications submitted by August 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. The applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for the United States in federal civil litigation, including land condemnation, border‑related disputes, immigration enforcement matters, warrants, asylum and passport cases, and general civil litigation.
• Participate in courtroom appearances, prepare pleadings, conduct legal research, and develop case strategies.
• Collaborate with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies in a professional team environment.
• Progress to more complex assignments as training and experience advance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active membership in any U.S. jurisdiction bar by the entry‑on‑duty date.
• United States citizenship.
• Willingness to serve in the Southern District of Texas and reside within the district or within 25 miles.
• U.S. Selective Service registration if applicable (male applicants born after Dec. 31, 1959).
• Positive pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax, and drug testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials and superior legal research and writing skills.
• High‑volume courtroom experience, including first‑chair jury trials.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and prepare day‑to‑day correspondence and pleadings.
• Commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.

Conditions of Employment

• This is a temporary appointment not to exceed September 30, 2029.
• Salary ranges from $76,748.00 to $197,100.00, determined in part by professional experience.
• Travel expected: 1 – 5 nights per month on average.
• Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

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.

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 any other non‑merit factor.