Become an Assistant United States Attorney: Protecting Justice in the Western District of Texas
The Department of Justice (DOJ) offers one of the most prestigious and challenging legal careers in the nation: the role of an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). If you are a driven legal professional with a passion for public service and a desire to hold offenders accountable for federal crimes, the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications to join our esteemed criminal division.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will manage cases from initial investigation to final judgment. Key duties include:
- Prosecution: Managing a docket of federal cases involving drug trafficking, human smuggling, firearms offenses, and transnational crime.
- Investigation: Partnering with federal law enforcement agencies to develop, structure, and implement criminal investigative strategies.
- Litigation: Representing the interests of the United States in federal court throughout various stages of litigation.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Must hold a J.D. degree from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Character: Must be able to pass an extensive background check, including financial and tax verification.
Salary Overview
The compensation for an AUSA is determined by professional legal experience. The current pay range for this position is outlined below:
| Location | Minimum Salary | Maximum Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland | $76,748 | $197,100 |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Leave: Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Insurance: Competitive health and life insurance programs.
- Work-Life: Opportunities for telework and a stable career trajectory within the federal government.
Application Tips
- Rank Your Locations: Clearly indicate your preferred office location (Alpine, Del Rio, El Paso, or Midland) in your cover letter.
- Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Documentation: Submit all required documents, including Veterans' Preference paperwork, if applicable, to ensure full consideration.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is more than a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of the United States. If you are ready to apply your legal expertise to the most significant cases in the nation, we invite you to submit your application by the August 31, 2026 deadline.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters
Protect the nation and uphold the rule of law as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas. This is your opportunity to join the front lines of federal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas is seeking skilled legal professionals to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). In this role, you will investigate and prosecute a diverse range of federal crimes, including transnational organized crime, human smuggling, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. Operating across a vast 93,000-square-mile district, your work will be critical to ensuring public safety, national security, and the fair administration of justice.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction
- United States citizenship
- Ability to pass a pre-employment security background investigation
- Registration with the Selective Service System (for males born after Dec 31, 1959)
- Commitment to drug-free workplace and ability to pass urinalysis testing
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
- Strong academic credentials
- Exceptional legal research and writing capabilities
- Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills
- Proven courtroom litigation experience
- Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System participation
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Telework opportunities
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Draft a cover letter clearly ranking your preferred work locations.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire during the application process.
- Submit your full application package before the August 31, 2026 deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month, day, and year) for all employment.
- Be precise with your location preferences in the cover letter; do not list locations where you are unwilling to work.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 or other documentation is attached.
- Apply early to allow your documents time to clear the mandatory virus scan process.
- Proofread your application to ensure all requirements are met, as incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the residency requirement for this position?
Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside in the district to which they are appointed, or within 25 miles of that district.
How is the salary determined for this role?
Salary is administratively determined based on your total years of professional legal experience, falling within the AD-21 to AD-29 pay scale.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is responsible for enforcing federal laws across a massive region. Spanning 93,000 square miles and encompassing a 660-mile border with Mexico, our office is on the front lines of some of the most significant legal challenges facing the country today. From preventing transnational organized crime to protecting the property and liberty of American citizens, our AUSAs work in a high-stakes, rewarding environment dedicated to the rule of law.