Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Laredo

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is currently seeking passionate, driven legal professionals to join its ranks as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in Laredo. If you are looking for a career that goes beyond a paycheck and allows you to serve the public interest while sharpening your courtroom skills, this is your opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will:

Prosecute a variety of violations including organized crime, financial litigation, and firearm offenses.
Manage a fast-paced, high-volume caseload from the very beginning of your tenure.
Work closely with federal investigative agencies to build strong, ethical cases.
Represent the United States in federal court proceedings.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must:

Hold a J.D. degree.
Be an active member in good standing of a U.S. bar.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Undergo a thorough background check and drug testing.

Comparison of Roles

Feature	Junior AUSA	Senior AUSA
Case Complexity	Introductory/Moderate	Highly Complex/Multi-Defendant
Independence	High Supervision	Autonomous
Courtroom Duty	Supported	Lead Counsel

Salary Overview

Salaries for AUSAs are administratively determined based on experience and grade levels (AD 21–29). The compensation range for this position is $79,718 to $197,100 per year, reflecting the professional requirements and the high level of responsibility inherent in the role.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Generous leave policies (vacation, sick, and holidays).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
A professional culture dedicated to public service.

Application Tips

Focus on the deadline: Submit by August 12, 2026, for priority consideration.
Quality over quantity: Your resume must not exceed two pages.
Persuasive writing: Ensure your writing sample clearly demonstrates your ability to articulate complex legal arguments.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the rule of law. We invite qualified attorneys who possess the grit and integrity required for this demanding work to apply today.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Join the front lines of federal justice. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas, your legal career will directly impact national security, border integrity, and the pursuit of justice in one of the most dynamic districts in the country.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking highly motivated attorneys to join the Criminal Division in Laredo. You will handle a fast-paced, high-stakes caseload involving organized crime, public corruption, and white-collar defense. This role offers the opportunity to practice in a demanding, high-volume environment where your work directly protects the life, liberty, and property of citizens.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Possession of a J.D. degree or equivalent.
Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry on duty date.
United States citizenship.
Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after 1959.
Successful completion of a rigorous background investigation.
Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening.
Willingness to reside within the district or within 25 miles thereof.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Superior legal research and writing abilities.
Demonstrated quick analytical thinking to articulate complex case issues.
Prior high-volume courtroom experience, preferably including first-chair jury trials.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills suitable for a collaborative legal team.
Proven commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance options
✓Telework opportunities

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Prepare and upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
Submit a persuasive writing sample (no more than 20 pages, composed within the last 3 years).
Address your cover letter to United States Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Submit by the August 12, 2026, priority consideration deadline.
Keep your resume to exactly two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Clearly highlight your courtroom and trial experience in your resume.
Use the USAJOBS status portal to verify that all documents were successfully uploaded and scanned.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this role.

What is the expected timeline for a job offer?

The agency aims to provide a final job offer within approximately 120 days of the announcement closing.

Can I apply if I am currently in law school?

*A: Law school graduates and those sitting for the 2026 bar exam may be considered, provided they meet all requirements by the start date.*

Is there a residency requirement?

*A: Yes, AUSAs generally must reside within the district or within 25 miles of their assigned office.*

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

The SDTX is one of the busiest and most consequential districts in the nation. Covering 43 counties and over 44,000 square miles, this office operates on the front lines of federal law enforcement. From protecting the border and dismantling drug trafficking networks to prosecuting public corruption and white-collar crime, our attorneys work on cases that shape the future of our nation.