Advance Your Legal Career: Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) in the Southern District of Texas

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a talented and driven attorney to join the Civil Division in our Houston office. This role represents a rare opportunity to engage in high-impact litigation that directly affects the security and interests of the United States. If you are a litigator who thrives in a demanding, high-volume environment and is committed to the principles of justice, this position offers a pathway to perform some of the most consequential legal work in the country.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division, you will:

Represent the United States in a wide range of complex civil litigation.
Manage matters involving land condemnation and border-related civil issues.
Handle immigration enforcement litigation and administrative proceedings.
Draft and issue warrants and defend asylum and passport cases.
Conduct legal research, write pleadings, and manage discovery independently.

Workload Comparison Table

Feature	SDTX Civil Division
Scope	Regional (43 Counties)
Litigation Type	High-Stakes, Federal Civil
Environment	Fast-Paced / Team-Oriented
Impact	Protecting National Interests

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must:

Possess a J.D. degree.
Be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Hold U.S. citizenship.
Pass a mandatory background check and drug screening.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $88,510 to $197,100 per year. Actual placement within this range is determined administratively based on the candidate's years of relevant professional legal experience.

Benefits

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

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Comprehensive health, life, and dental insurance plans.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Respect the Resume Limit: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Highlight Your Experience: Clearly detail your courtroom and litigation history. If you have volunteer experience that translates into legal skill, include it.
Use the Priority Deadline: While the position closes on September 30, 2026, the office prioritizes applications received by September 4, 2026.

Serving as an AUSA in the Southern District of Texas is a challenging and rewarding career milestone. If you have the grit, judgment, and commitment to join a world-class team of prosecutors and civil attorneys, we invite you to apply.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term) Job Matters

Make a tangible impact on national justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas—one of the nation's busiest and most consequential legal jurisdictions.

Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated, high-performing attorney for a temporary appointment in the Civil Division based in Houston. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage a fast-paced, high-stakes caseload involving federal land condemnation, immigration enforcement, and complex civil litigation. Spanning from Houston to the Mexico border, this office serves 10 million people and plays a critical role in upholding federal law, protecting public interests, and ensuring impartial justice.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term)

Possession of a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry on duty date.
Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Must be a United States citizen.
Registration with the Selective Service System (if male born after Dec 31, 1959).
Must be able to pass a rigorous background investigation and drug test.
Ability to reside within the district or within 25 miles of the appointment location.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term)

Superior legal research and writing abilities.
Extensive high-volume courtroom experience, preferably including first-chair jury trials.
Strong academic performance and quick analytical problem-solving skills.
Exceptional organizational and time-management capabilities.
Proven history of professionalism, ethics, and commitment to public service.
Proficiency in self-sufficient legal research, writing, and document preparation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Professional growth and development within the Department of Justice.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term) Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
Include a persuasive writing sample (max 20 pages, authored within the last three years).
Address the cover letter to United States Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
Submit all documentation via the online portal by the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must not exceed two pages; applications failing this requirement will be disqualified immediately.
Include specific details for every position, including hours worked per week and exact start/end dates.
Submit early: Applications reviewed every 30 days, with priority given to those submitted by September 4, 2026.
Ensure your writing sample clearly demonstrates your ability to articulate complex legal arguments.
Double-check that all veterans' preference documents (e.g., DD 214, SF 15) are attached if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this position?

This is a temporary appointment with an end date of September 30, 2029.

How is the salary determined for this role?

The salary is administratively determined based on your total years of professional attorney experience within the provided range.

Can I apply if I have not yet taken the bar exam?

Law school graduates or students sitting for the July 2026 bar exam may be considered, provided they meet all bar membership requirements by their entry on duty date.

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

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is one of the largest and most dynamic federal districts in the United States. Covering 43 counties and over 44,000 square miles, our office is at the front line of national legal priorities. From securing our border and dismantling narcotics networks to holding fraudsters accountable, our work protects the life, liberty, and property of over 10 million people. Working here means more than just having a job; it is a commitment to public service and the rule of law.