Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas

Becoming an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) is one of the most prestigious and challenging paths a legal professional can take. The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) serves as a vital hub for federal law enforcement and litigation, spanning 43 counties from the Houston metropolitan area to the southern border. If you are a dedicated attorney looking to make a meaningful impact through public service, the Civil Division of the SDTX is currently accepting applications for AUSA positions.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, your day-to-day work will be intellectually rigorous and highly varied. Responsibilities include:

Litigating a broad range of cases involving significant and complex federal issues.
Handling immigration enforcement matters and issuing warrants.
Defending the government in habeas corpus and asylum cases.
Seeking injunctions on behalf of federal agencies.
Representing the United States in general civil litigation.
Managing case files, conducting legal research, and preparing pleadings.

Comparison of Key Qualifications

Requirement Type	Essential Qualification	Preferred Capability
Education	Juris Doctor (J.D.)	Top-tier academic performance
Experience	Licensed Attorney	First-chair jury trial experience
Skills	Legal Writing	Advanced analytical ability
Professionalism	Good Standing with Bar	Commitment to public service

Requirements

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

You must possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
You must be an active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction by your start date.
You must be a United States citizen.
You must pass a comprehensive background investigation, which includes credit and tax checks, as well as a mandatory drug test.

Salary Overview

The salary for an AUSA is administratively determined, typically reflecting the years of professional legal experience an attorney brings to the role. Salaries range from $76,748 to $197,100, inclusive of locality pay, spanning grades AD-21 to AD-29.

Benefits

Working for the Department of Justice provides access to a world-class federal benefits package, including:

Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Leave: Generous allowances for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Insurance: Competitive health insurance and life insurance programs.
Flexibility: Potential opportunities for telework and work-life balance initiatives.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages. Applications that exceed this limit are automatically excluded from consideration.
Persuasive Writing: Select a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to draft compelling, high-level legal arguments.
Early Submission: While the closing date is September 30, 2026, the office begins reviewing applications on a rolling basis starting September 4, 2026.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas is more than a job; it is a commitment to the impartial administration of justice. With opportunities for growth and professional development in one of the most active federal jurisdictions in the country, this role is ideal for attorneys who thrive on challenge and seek to protect the rights and property of their fellow citizens.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Take the lead in high-stakes federal litigation as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas. Protect the rule of law in one of the nation's busiest and most dynamic legal jurisdictions.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking highly motivated, mission-driven attorneys to join its Civil Division. Covering 43 counties and over 8 million residents, this office is at the forefront of critical federal litigation, including immigration enforcement, habeas corpus defense, civil injunctions, and broader federal litigation. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity for legal professionals to manage a complex, fast-paced caseload with significant responsibility from day one.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry on duty date.
United States citizenship is required.
Must be able to pass a rigorous background investigation and drug screening.
Must be registered with the Selective Service System if a male born after Dec 31, 1959.
Must be willing to reside in the district of appointment (or within 25 miles thereof).

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Superior legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Demonstrated courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials.
Strong organizational abilities and effective time management for high-volume dockets.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with federal agencies and support staff.
High ethical standards and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Potential for telework based on agency policy
✓Extensive professional development and training

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your full employment history, duties, and accomplishments.
Draft a persuasive cover letter addressed to the United States Attorney, Aaron Reitz.
Select a writing sample (max 20 pages) created within the last three years that highlights your individual legal analysis.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
Clearly indicate your years of professional attorney experience, as this determines your grade level.
Highlight any relevant courtroom experience to demonstrate your litigation capabilities.
Veterans should ensure their preference documentation (such as a DD-214) is clearly marked and included in the application.
Submit early; first-round consideration begins on September 4, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The pay is administratively determined based on experience and the specific AD grade assigned, ranging from $76,748 to $197,100 per year.

Can I apply if I am currently a law student?

Yes, current law students or recent graduates who are scheduled to take the July 2026 bar examination may apply, provided they meet all bar membership requirements by their start date.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for these positions.

What is the security clearance level?

This position is classified as Special-Sensitive (SS) and requires a full background investigation.

Are there residency requirements?

Yes, AUSAs are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

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

The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Texas represents the interests of the United States in federal court. As a part of the Department of Justice, this office is tasked with upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and managing a massive, fast-paced caseload. Attorneys here work on matters of national significance, ranging from border security and narcotics investigations to complex civil litigation involving federal agencies.