Become an Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) in Houston
Are you a litigator with a passion for public service and the rule of law? The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is currently seeking talented, motivated attorneys to join the Civil Division in Houston. This is a unique, challenging, and high-impact role that puts you on the front lines of federal litigation.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division, you will litigate a wide spectrum of federal matters. Your caseload will be fast-paced and varied, including:
- Immigration enforcement litigation
- Defending habeas corpus petitions
- Seeking and managing injunctions
- Defending asylum and passport-related cases
- General civil litigation involving federal interests
Your responsibilities will evolve as you gain experience, allowing you to take on increasingly complex assignments and lead major investigations.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Required | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Education | J.D. Degree | - |
| Bar Status | Active (Any US Jurisdiction) | - |
| Experience | None Specified | Courtroom/Jury Trial Experience |
| Skills | Research & Writing | Advanced Advocacy & Organization |
Salary Overview
Salaries for this position are administratively determined based on professional experience. The current pay range for this role is $88,510 to $197,100 per year, inclusive of locality pay.
Benefits
Joining the Department of Justice offers more than just a competitive salary. Employees gain access to a robust federal benefits package:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance options.
- Life insurance programs.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accruals.
- Structured federal holiday schedule.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. This is a hard limit, and exceeding it will result in automatic disqualification.
- Writing Sample: Choose a piece that demonstrates clear, persuasive writing. It must be your original work from the last three years.
- Monitor Status: Use the USAJOBS portal to track your application. Ensure all documents have cleared the virus scan.
Working as an AUSA in the Southern District of Texas is an opportunity to practice high-level law in one of the most dynamic environments in the United States. If you possess the grit, professional judgment, and commitment to public service required, we invite you to apply.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney - Term (Civil) Border Fence Job Matters
Join the front lines of justice in the Southern District of Texas. Protect our borders, dismantle trafficking networks, and litigate complex civil cases as an Assistant United States Attorney.
Assistant United States Attorney - Term (Civil) Border Fence Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated legal professional to serve in the Civil Division. Based in Houston, this three-year term position offers the opportunity to tackle high-stakes litigation, ranging from immigration enforcement and habeas corpus defense to complex federal civil matters. You will work alongside a premier team of prosecutors and investigators, ensuring the rule of law is upheld across one of the busiest districts in the nation.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney - Term (Civil) Border Fence
- Possession of a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry-on-duty date.
- Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- United States citizenship.
- Registration with the Selective Service System (for applicable male applicants).
- Must pass a comprehensive security background investigation and drug screening.
- Ability to reside within the district or within 25 miles of the appointment location.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney - Term (Civil) Border Fence
- Strong academic record and exceptional legal research and writing abilities.
- Proven courtroom experience, including experience with first-chair jury trials.
- High-level organizational and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective teamwork.
- Self-sufficiency in managing daily legal correspondence and complex litigation tasks.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethics, civility, and public service.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and telework (per agency policy).
- ✓Contribution to meaningful, high-impact public service.
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney - Term (Civil) Border Fence Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney - Term (Civil) Border Fence Job
- Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your full employment history and duties.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload a persuasive writing sample (maximum 20 pages) created within the last three years.
- Submit your cover letter addressed to the United States Attorney.
- Finalize and submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Ensure your writing sample is entirely your own individual work.
- If claiming veterans' preference, include all necessary documentation like DD-214 or SF-15 immediately.
- Review your application status regularly via the USAJOBS dashboard to monitor receipt of documents.
- Apply well before the September 30 deadline to account for potential technical processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the term length for this position?
This is a temporary position with a duration not to exceed three years.
How is the grade level determined?
The AD grade (21-29) is administratively determined based on the number of years of professional attorney experience an applicant possesses.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Is this a permanent position?
No, it is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed three years, though it may be extended or made permanent depending on future needs.
What is the residency requirement?
AUSAs are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles of that location.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, all candidates must successfully pass a drug screening as part of the background investigation process.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Southern District of Texas is among the largest and busiest U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the nation. Spanning 44,000 square miles and serving over 10 million people, our district handles critical legal matters, ranging from border security and narcotics trafficking to sophisticated fraud cases. Working with the DOJ means contributing to a mission that prioritizes the impartial administration of justice for every American.