Become an Assistant United States Attorney: Protecting Justice in the Southern District of Texas
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) stands at the forefront of the nation’s legal landscape. Covering 43 counties and serving over 8 million people, this district is one of the most dynamic and high-impact environments for any legal professional. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in our Corpus Christi office. This is a rare opportunity to join a team dedicated to enforcing federal law, defending the interests of the United States, and protecting the life, liberty, and property of our fellow citizens.
Job Responsibilities
In the Criminal Division, your responsibilities will be broad and intellectually stimulating. You will manage a varied caseload, prepare complex pleadings, and handle investigations from inception to final judgment. Key duties include:
- Leading investigations into federal violations.
- Appearing frequently in federal court.
- Collaborating with investigative agencies and support staff.
- Drafting persuasive legal motions and briefs.
- Representing the United States in hearings and trials.
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Possession of a Juris Doctor degree.
- Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive security and suitability background investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service System (where applicable).
Salary Overview
| Grade Level | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| AD-21 to AD-29 | $77,122 - $197,100 |
Note: Pay is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience.
Benefits
Working for the Department of Justice comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
- Recognition of federal holidays.
- Career advancement and development opportunities within the federal government.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Exceeding this limit results in immediate disqualification.
- Quality Writing Samples: Provide a sample that highlights your persuasive writing abilities, specifically something you drafted within the last three years.
- Early Submission: We conduct reviews every 30 days, with priority given to applications submitted by August 14, 2026.
- Detail Matters: When listing experience, be explicit about hours worked and specific accomplishments to ensure you receive full credit for your background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the travel requirement? A: The role involves moderate travel, averaging 1 to 5 nights per month.
Q: Are political appointees eligible to apply? A: Yes, but you must disclose your past appointment information to the HR office during the application process.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas is a profound commitment to public service. If you possess the grit, professional judgment, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, we invite you to apply. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community while pursuing a challenging and rewarding legal career.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters
Join the front lines of American justice. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas, your legal career will directly impact national security, public safety, and the rule of law.
Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated and motivated attorney to join the Criminal Division in Corpus Christi. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to handle a high-volume, fast-paced caseload involving narcotics trafficking, organized crime, white-collar fraud, and public corruption. You will be an integral member of a team protecting the interests of the United States and serving the public through impartial and rigorous prosecution.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
- Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the date of entry on duty.
- United States citizenship.
- Must be able to pass a rigorous background investigation and drug screening.
- Must be willing to reside within the district or within 25 miles of the assigned office.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney
- Strong academic credentials and exceptional legal research and writing abilities.
- Demonstrated courtroom experience, specifically including first-chair jury trials.
- High-volume practice experience and the ability to manage complex cases independently.
- Professional demeanor with a commitment to ethics, civility, and public service.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Proficiency in utilizing legal research software and preparing pleadings without support.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Potential for long-term career growth within the Department of Justice
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume detailing your legal experience.
- Draft a persuasive cover letter addressed to U.S. Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
- Select a writing sample (maximum 20 pages) created within the last three years.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit all documentation through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Include specific details for each role, such as total hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
- Submit your application early; the first round of reviews begins August 14, 2026.
- Clearly articulate your courtroom experience if you have held first-chair jury trial responsibilities.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded and correctly categorized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this role.
What is the residency requirement for an AUSA in this district?
Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district of appointment or within 25 miles of the office location.
How is the salary range determined?
Salary is administratively determined based on your total years of professional experience as an attorney and the specific grade (AD-21 to AD-29) assigned to the role.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are tasked with the impartial administration of justice. As an AUSA in the Southern District of Texas, you will not be a spectator. You will be an active participant in addressing major legal challenges, including organized crime, narcotics trafficking, financial litigation, and public corruption. Our attorneys enjoy a fast-paced environment where they gain significant courtroom experience from day one.