Launch Your Legal Career: Assistant United States Attorney in Houston

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) represents one of the most dynamic legal environments in the United States. Spanning 43 counties and protecting over 10 million people, our district handles some of the nation's most critical litigation. We are currently accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to join our Civil Division in Houston.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, you will:

Manage a fast-paced caseload focused on bankruptcy-related litigation.
Handle matters concerning torts, employment litigation, and immigration.
Represent the United States in federal courtrooms.
Engage in sophisticated research, writing, and trial strategy development.

Feature	Details
Position Type	Permanent, Attorney (0905)
Salary Range	$88,510 – $197,100
Location	Houston, Texas
Application Deadline	September 30, 2026

Requirements

Education: J.D. degree by the EOD date.
Bar Status: Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Background: Ability to pass a high-risk, special-sensitive background investigation.

Salary Overview

Pay is administratively determined based on professional experience, ensuring competitive compensation for high-performing legal professionals.

Benefits

Federal retirement contributions.
Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Generous leave policies including sick and annual leave.

Application Tips

Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Include clear start and end dates for all experience. Your writing sample must be a solo effort from the last three years and not exceed 20 pages.

If you seek a career that offers more than just a paycheck—one that contributes to the public good and challenges your legal intellect—apply to join the SDTX team today.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Job Matters

Join the front lines of justice in the Southern District of Texas as an Assistant United States Attorney—where your legal career directly impacts the safety and security of the nation.

Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney for a challenging, high-impact role within the Civil Division in Houston. This position is ideal for those looking to handle significant, complex litigation and contribute to the Department of Justice's mission of impartial justice and public service.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil

Possession of a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry on duty date.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
United States citizenship.
Registration with the Selective Service System (for male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959).
Must pass a background investigation, including credit and tax checks, and a pre-employment drug screening.
Submission of a professional, two-page maximum resume and a persuasive writing sample (under 20 pages) from the last three years.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil

Three or more years of civil litigation experience, specifically in bankruptcy.
Experience with employment litigation, torts, and immigration law.
Active Texas Bar membership.
First-chair federal trial experience.
Spanish language proficiency.
Demonstrated strong academic background and superior legal research and writing abilities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) eligibility.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance options.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and complex casework.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload a two-page resume and a writing sample of under 20 pages.
Ensure all documents, including veterans' preference documentation (if applicable), are submitted via the portal before the deadline.
Verify application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application early; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis every 30 days.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid immediate disqualification.
Clearly highlight your bankruptcy and civil litigation experience in your resume.
Proofread your writing sample thoroughly; it should reflect your best persuasive writing.
Contact the office via phone or email provided in the announcement if you require an alternative application method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this role?

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

How is the salary determined?

Salaries are administratively determined based on the years of professional attorney experience, ranging from $88,510 to $197,100.

Is the position open to recent law graduates?

Yes, law school graduates or those taking the July 2026 bar exam may be considered, provided they meet all requirements by the entry on duty date.

What is the travel requirement?

Expect moderate travel, averaging 1 to 5 days per month.

Are non-citizens eligible?

Employment is generally restricted to U.S. citizens due to high-level security requirements.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the primary enforcer of federal law. The SDTX office is at the front line of securing the border, holding fraudsters accountable, and protecting the life, liberty, and property of citizens. Attorneys here work on complex, high-stakes cases from their first day on the job.