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

Are you a motivated legal professional seeking to serve the public interest? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) within its Criminal Division. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex federal investigations and prosecutions in one of the nation's most dynamic and challenging judicial districts.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA, you will be on the front lines of the federal criminal justice system. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Investigative Support: Guiding federal law enforcement agents through the development of investigative strategies and plans.
Litigation: Managing cases of varying complexity, from initial filing to trial and sentencing.
Specialized Focus: Concentrating on significant federal criminal issues, including transnational organized crime, firearm trafficking, and human smuggling.

Comparison of Locality Pay Bases

Location	Base Pay Range	Features
Austin	$78,905 - $197,100	Includes 20.35% locality pay
San Antonio	$77,876 - $197,100	Includes 18.78% locality pay
Waco	$76,748 - $197,100	Includes 17.06% locality pay

Requirements

To be considered for this prestigious role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At least one year of post-J.D. legal experience.
U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
Willingness to reside in the district of appointment.

Salary Overview

Salaries for AUSAs are administratively determined. The range for positions (AD-21 through AD-29) reflects both experience levels and the specific cost-of-living adjustments for the assigned duty station in Texas.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a competitive total compensation package, including:

Health & Insurance: Robust medical and life insurance options.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Paid leave, federal holidays, and potential for telework.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume strictly to two pages. Extra length results in automatic disqualification.
Preference Ordering: Be explicit in your cover letter regarding which of the three locations you prefer.
Detail Your Experience: Provide clear dates and hourly breakdowns for all relevant volunteer and paid legal work.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is more than a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of American justice. If you possess the drive, legal acumen, and dedication required to excel in this high-stakes environment, we encourage you to submit your application by the August 31, 2026, deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters

Serve justice on the front lines: Join the Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join our Criminal Division. With a jurisdictional footprint covering 93,000 square miles and 660 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, our office is at the heart of federal efforts to combat transnational crime, human smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. We offer a challenging, high-impact environment where your work directly protects the safety and interests of the American people.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship.
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including drug testing.
Must meet local residency requirements (typically within 25 miles of the assigned district).
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Strong academic performance.
Exceptional legal research and writing abilities.
Demonstrated analytical skills and courtroom proficiency.
Commitment to high ethical standards and public service.
Superior organizational and project management skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance plans.
✓Life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Telework opportunities (subject to agency policy).
✓Structured professional development and training.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a two-page resume highlighting your professional experience and accomplishments.
Draft a cover letter that ranks your preferred locations (Austin, San Antonio, or Waco).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your complete application package before the deadline on August 31, 2026.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages; applications exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
Rank your office preferences clearly in your cover letter to facilitate the screening process.
Quantify your experience and provide specific examples of courtroom or investigative work.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure you attach the appropriate documentation, such as the DD 214 or SF 15.
Review your application for accuracy before submission, as updates cannot be made after the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the geographic scope of the Western District of Texas?

The district covers 93,000 square miles and shares approximately 660 miles of border with Mexico, making it a critical hub for federal law enforcement and border-related litigation.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

How is the salary determined?

Pay is administratively determined based on your years of professional legal experience, subject to locality pay adjustments for Austin, San Antonio, or Waco.

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 federal agency responsible for upholding the rule of law and defending the interests of the United States. Within the Western District of Texas, the U.S. Attorney’s Office handles a diverse caseload that spans from organized crime and drug trafficking to human smuggling and border security. Our mission is to promote justice, ensure public safety, and maintain a legacy of excellence in federal litigation.