Launch Your Federal Prosecution Career in the Southern District of Texas

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is offering a unique opportunity for talented legal professionals to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in Corpus Christi. If you are an attorney with a passion for the rule of law and the stamina for high-stakes litigation, this position offers a career-defining experience.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will not spend years in the background. You will take ownership of your cases from day one. Key responsibilities include:

Leading grand jury investigations.
Prosecuting federal criminal offenses, including drug trafficking and firearms cases.
Addressing financial and white-collar crimes.
Appearing in federal court to represent the interests of the United States.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must hold a J.D. degree and be a member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction. You must also pass a high-level background investigation.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Legal Roles

Feature	Assistant US Attorney	Private Practice Associate
Client Base	The United States Government	Private Clients/Corporations
Courtroom Time	Extremely High	Varies (Often Document-Heavy)
Impact Focus	Public Safety/National Interest	Profit/Client Success
Career Path	Public Service Advancement	Partnership Track

Salary and Benefits

Salaries for AUSAs are determined by years of professional experience, ranging from $77,122 to $197,100, including locality pay. Employees receive a full federal benefits package, including retirement, insurance, and leave.

How to Apply

Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Draft a persuasive 20-page maximum writing sample.
Prepare a formal cover letter to United States Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
Apply through the USAJOBS portal before the final deadline.

This role is not just a job; it is a commitment to the integrity of the American legal system. If you have the grit and the expertise, apply today to help us uphold justice.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Take your legal career to the front lines of justice. Join the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Texas and lead cases that make a national impact.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated and motivated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to join the Criminal Division in Corpus Christi. You will serve on the front lines of federal law enforcement, tackling complex cases ranging from organized crime and white-collar fraud to narcotics and public corruption. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney who values the rule of law and seeks a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where your daily work directly protects the community.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date.
Must be a United States citizen.
Ability to pass a rigorous pre-employment security and suitability background investigation, including credit/tax checks and drug testing.
Male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Must maintain residency in or within 25 miles of the assigned district.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Extensive courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials.
Superior legal research and persuasive writing skills.
Previous experience in criminal prosecution or defense.
Knowledge of grand jury practice and advanced investigative techniques.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage high-volume caseloads.
Demonstrated commitment to ethics, civility, and public service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities
✓Challenging, high-impact work environment

💡 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 resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Draft a cover letter addressed to United States Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
Select a writing sample (max 20 pages) composed within the last three years.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page limit for your resume; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
Submit your application early; while the deadline is September 30, 2026, applications are reviewed in cycles.
Ensure your writing sample showcases your best persuasive work.
Clearly articulate your courtroom experience if you are eligible for the position.
Veterans should include all supporting documentation (such as DD-214) to be considered for preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an AUSA in the Criminal Division?

Criminal Division AUSAs prosecute a wide range of federal offenses, including organized crime, drug trafficking, white-collar crime, firearms violations, and public corruption.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, on average, the position requires 1 to 5 nights of travel per month.

What is the residency requirement for this job?

Generally, you must reside within the district of your appointment or within 25 miles of it.

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

The SDTX is one of the most active districts in the nation. Spanning 44,000 square miles and covering 10 million people, our office is at the center of critical federal legal work. From securing the border to combating narcotics networks and white-collar fraud, the work we do protects the American public every single day.