Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas

Are you a motivated legal professional looking to serve the public interest? The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions in the Civil Division. This is a rare opportunity to represent the United States government in high-stakes litigation, protecting federal interests and upholding the rule of law.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, you will manage a diverse caseload across two primary sections: Defensive and Affirmative.

Defensive Litigation: Represent federal agencies and employees in disputes involving torts, employment law, constitutional challenges, and agency reviews.
Affirmative Litigation: Recover funds in fraud cases and collect debts owed to the government.
Courtroom Excellence: You will handle depositions, motions practice, settlement negotiations, and appellate advocacy.

Requirements

Education: Must hold a J.D. degree.
Licensure: Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: Minimum of one year of post-graduate legal experience.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is strictly required.
Clearance: Must successfully complete a background investigation for a Secret-level security clearance.

Salary Overview

Salaries are determined based on experience and geographic locality.

Location	Minimum Salary	Maximum Salary
Austin	$78,905	$197,100
El Paso	$76,748	$197,100
San Antonio	$77,876	$197,100

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Federal pension participation.
Life insurance.
Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Application Tips

Rank Locations: You must explicitly list your preferred office locations in your cover letter.
Resume Length: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Exceeding this will disqualify you.
Detail Matters: Clearly explain your legal duties, including hours worked for part-time positions.

Serving as an AUSA provides unparalleled experience in federal law. If you are prepared to join a team dedicated to excellence and the protection of civil rights, submit your application package before the July 31, 2026, deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Matters

Protect the rule of law and defend the interests of the United States as an Assistant United States Attorney in the heart of Texas.

Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join our Civil Division. In this role, you will represent the federal government, its agencies, and its employees in complex litigation. With a jurisdiction covering 93,000 square miles and a significant portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, our office is at the front lines of federal enforcement, managing critical issues from immigration matters to financial fraud recovery.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Residency within the appointed district or within 25 miles of its border is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Strong academic performance.
Demonstrated excellence in legal research and writing.
Advanced analytical and organizational capabilities.
Proven experience in courtroom settings.
Exceptional judgment and a firm commitment to professional ethics.
Experience handling federal civil litigation or immigration matters.

Federal Benefits & Perks

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

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare a cover letter ranking your preferred locations (Austin, El Paso, San Antonio).
Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit.
Submit your application package by the closing date of July 31, 2026.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Your cover letter must clearly rank your preferred office locations; failing to do so may impact your application.
Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; over-length resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
Detail your specific legal accomplishments rather than just listing job duties.
Submit early to allow time for the system's virus scan on your uploaded documents.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, ensure you upload your DD-214 and any required SF-15 forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary ranges from $76,748 to $197,100 annually, depending on the specific location (due to varying locality pay) and the candidate's years of professional legal experience.

Can I work remotely?

This position is not listed as telework-eligible or remote; attorneys are expected to reside within the district of their appointment.

What documentation is required regarding political appointments?

If you have held a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES appointment within the last five years, you must disclose this to the HR office and provide a copy of your SF-50.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) mission is centered on the defense of the United States and the fair administration of justice. The Western District of Texas is a unique, high-volume environment covering 93,000 square miles and hundreds of miles of the international border. Our attorneys manage complex legal challenges that impact national policy, immigration, and civil enforcement.