Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in South Texas

The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Texas is currently seeking experienced legal professionals to join its Civil Division. This is a unique opportunity to serve at the intersection of federal law and national interest. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), you will engage in high-impact litigation that directly impacts the life, liberty, and property of citizens.

Job Responsibilities

Civil Division AUSAs are tasked with representing the United States in a variety of complex federal matters. Key responsibilities include:

Handling land condemnation matters related to border security.
Managing immigration enforcement and asylum defense litigation.
Issuing warrants and responding to passport cases.
Performing legal research and drafting high-quality pleadings.
Representing the government in federal court hearings and trials.

Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must demonstrate:

Academic Credentials: A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Licensure: Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional work.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Clearance: Ability to pass a rigorous background check and drug screening.

Comparison of Potential Growth

Feature	Junior Level	Senior Level
Case Complexity	Supervised Support	Lead Counsel
Courtroom Autonomy	Assistive	First-Chair
Legal Writing	Draft/Review	Final Oversight

Salary and Benefits

Salary is determined administratively based on the applicant's experience level, ranging from $63,163 to $195,100. Employees are also eligible for a robust federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume under two pages; this is a strict requirement.
Writing Sample: Select a piece that demonstrates persuasive legal reasoning.
Timeliness: Aim to submit your application early to ensure all documents clear the internal system.

If you are a motivated attorney looking to dedicate your skills to public service, this position provides an unparalleled experience in federal practice. Apply today to contribute to the mission of the Department of Justice.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Civil - Border Fence) Job Matters

Make a tangible impact on national security and federal justice as a Civil Division Assistant United States Attorney in South Texas.

Assistant United States Attorney (Civil - Border Fence) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated legal professional to join its Civil Division. As an AUSA, you will handle high-stakes litigation, including border-related land condemnation, immigration enforcement, and complex federal civil matters. This role offers the unique chance to serve in either Laredo or McAllen, operating within one of the nation’s busiest and most diverse judicial districts.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil - Border Fence)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship is required.
Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including drug testing and credit checks.
Must be able to work on-site in Laredo or McAllen, Texas.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil - Border Fence)

Exceptional legal research and writing capabilities.
Strong analytical skills with an aptitude for articulating complex legal issues.
Significant courtroom experience, particularly first-chair jury trials.
High-level organizational and time-management proficiency.
Proven track record of professionalism, ethical conduct, and public service commitment.
Self-sufficiency in drafting legal correspondence and complex pleadings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development in federal law.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Civil - Border Fence) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil - Border Fence) Job

Prepare a resume (maximum two pages) and a persuasive writing sample (no more than 20 pages, authored within the last three years).
Draft a cover letter addressed to the United States Attorney, Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account to complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
Highlight specific, relevant experience regarding federal litigation and courtroom proceedings.
Veterans should explicitly state their preference eligibility and attach all necessary documentation (e.g., DD 214, SF 15) to their application.
Double-check your responses to the occupational questionnaire for accuracy before final submission.
Submit early to allow sufficient time for document processing and system verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the initial term of employment?

All initial attorney appointments within the Department of Justice are made on a 14-month temporary basis pending the final adjudication of a background investigation.

Can I request an alternative application method?

Yes. If you are unable to apply via the online system, please contact the Southern District of Texas office directly at 713-567-9729 or via email at [email protected] prior to the closing date.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses will not be authorized for this position.

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Southern District of Texas stands as one of the busiest districts in the United States. Spanning 43 counties and 44,000 square miles, this office represents millions of residents from Houston to the border with Mexico. Working here is more than a legal career; it is a commitment to the mission of the Department of Justice: upholding federal law, defending the interests of the United States, and ensuring equal justice for all.