Launch Your Legal Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Houston

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is at the epicenter of federal legal activity. Managing 44,000 square miles and representing 8.3 million people, this office is one of the busiest and most consequential legal hubs in America. We are currently searching for a highly motivated, skilled attorney to join our Civil Division. This is not just a role; it is a platform to defend the interests of the United States and uphold the rule of law.

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant United States Attorney (Civil), you will:

Represent the United States in federal court across a diverse range of civil matters.
Handle immigration enforcement litigation and habeas corpus defense.
Manage asylum and passport-related cases.
Seek injunctions and provide counsel on complex federal statutes.
Prepare pleadings and handle day-to-day case correspondence with autonomy.

Comparison of Professional Expectations

Feature	Junior Level	Experienced Level
Case Complexity	Supervised/Training	Independent Lead
Courtroom Appearances	Frequent Mentorship	Primary First-Chair
Case Management	Focused/Task-Oriented	Portfolio Management

Requirements and Qualifications

To be eligible for this position, you must have a J.D. and be an active member of the bar. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

Strong academic performance.
Excellent research and persuasive writing skills.
A commitment to ethics and civility.
The ability to work within a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.

Salary and Benefits

The compensation for this position ranges from $88,510 to $197,100, depending on your years of professional experience. Beyond salary, the DOJ offers a robust benefits package, including:

Health, life, and long-term care insurance.
Paid federal holidays and generous leave policies.
Federal retirement savings (FERS) and thrift savings plan options.

How to Apply

Prepare your two-page resume and 20-page writing sample.
Apply via the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the occupational questionnaire provided during the application process.
Monitor your application status regularly to ensure all components are submitted correctly.

If you are ready for a career that challenges your intellect and reinforces your commitment to justice, the Southern District of Texas offers an unparalleled environment for professional growth. Apply by the September 2026 deadline to join a team that shapes the future of federal law.

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

Make a tangible impact on the nation’s security and rule of law as an Assistant United States Attorney in one of the most high-stakes, dynamic districts in the country.

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

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is seeking a dedicated legal professional to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division. This temporary, three-year appointment offers a unique opportunity to litigate complex cases in one of the busiest districts in the nation. You will tackle critical issues ranging from immigration enforcement and habeas corpus defense to seeking injunctions and managing general civil litigation, all while upholding the Department of Justice's mission to protect the life, liberty, and property of our citizens.

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

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date.
United States citizenship.
Must be able to pass a rigorous background investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to reside within the district or within 25 miles thereof.

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

Exceptional academic performance and record.
Superior legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Significant high-volume courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management abilities.
Professionalism, ethics, and a deep commitment to public service.
Proficiency in managing day-to-day legal correspondence and pleadings independently.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary based on professional experience.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunity for career advancement in a mission-critical environment.

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

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

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload a two-page maximum resume detailing relevant work history, hours worked, and duties.
Submit a persuasive writing sample (maximum 20 pages) composed within the last three years.
Submit a cover letter addressed to the United States Attorney.
If applicable, submit documentation for Veterans' Preference, such as a DD-214 or SF-15.
Click the submit button to finalize your application package before the closing deadline.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application by August 7, 2026, for first-round consideration.
Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
Clearly indicate your specific professional attorney experience as it determines your pay grade.
Verify your status on the USAJOBS portal periodically to ensure all documents have cleared the virus scan.
If you have a potential conflict of interest, such as representing clients currently involved with this office, disclose this proactively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed three years, with initial appointments typically made on a 14-month basis.

How is the salary determined for this role?

Pay is administratively determined based on your total years of professional attorney experience and the corresponding pay scale for grades 21 through 29.

Can I apply if I haven't passed the bar yet?

Yes, current law students or law graduates scheduled to take the July 2026 bar examination may be considered, provided they are active bar members by their entry-on-duty date.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves the American public by ensuring the impartial administration of justice. The SDTX office specifically handles front-line matters, including border security, narcotics investigations, and high-stakes civil litigation. Our attorneys are empowered to lead complex cases from the outset, providing a fast-paced environment for those who seek to make a difference.