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

Are you seeking a career that challenges your legal acumen while serving the public interest? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is currently accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) within the Civil Division. This high-profile, fast-paced environment offers a unique opportunity to litigate critical cases that protect the life, liberty, and property of United States citizens.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, you will not be relegated to the sidelines. From day one, you will carry a varied and dynamic caseload. Primary responsibilities include:

Representing the United States in complex civil litigation in federal court.
Handling land condemnation matters involving the Mexico border.
Managing immigration enforcement litigation and defending asylum/passport cases.
Issuing legal warrants and drafting persuasive pleadings.
Collaborating with investigative agencies and support staff to build robust cases.

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:

Hold a J.D. degree or equivalent by the start date.
Maintain active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Pass a mandatory drug test and background investigation.

Comparison of Attorney Roles

Feature	Junior Attorney (AD-21)	Senior Attorney (AD-29)
Experience Level	Entry-level / Early career	Extensive / Specialized
Complexity of Caseload	Managed / Supervised	Independent / High-stakes
Courtroom Duties	Research-heavy / Support	Lead / First-chair trial

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $76,748 to $197,100, depending on your professional years of experience. Beyond the compensation, you will enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance coverage.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
Stable and supportive working environment.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will cause your application to be rejected immediately.
Persuasive Writing: Select a writing sample that showcases your ability to argue clearly and concisely—keep it under 20 pages.
Early Bird Advantage: Submit your package by September 4, 2026, to receive first-round consideration.
Attention to Detail: Ensure all your dates are formatted as month, day, and year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the residency requirement for this role? A: AUSAs are generally required to reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Q: Is there an interview process? A: Yes. Qualified applicants will be reviewed by an attorney panel and invited for an interview if selected.

The role of an Assistant United States Attorney is for those with sound judgment, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. If you are prepared to join a team that does meaningful work in a challenging, high-stakes environment, apply today.

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

Take the lead in high-stakes federal litigation as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas—where your legal work directly impacts national security and justice.

Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney for a temporary appointment in its Civil Division. Serving one of the busiest and most dynamic districts in the nation, this role involves managing a diverse and fast-paced caseload, including land condemnation, immigration enforcement, and complex civil litigation. This position is located in Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Laredo, or McAllen, TX, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Department of Justice's mission.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil (Term)

Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry on duty date.
Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Must be a United States citizen.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and a comprehensive background investigation.
Must reside within the district or within 25 miles thereof upon appointment.

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

Strong academic performance and superior legal research and writing abilities.
Demonstrated quick analytical thinking and ability to articulate critical case issues.
High-volume courtroom experience, preferably including first-chair jury trials.
Outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Proven commitment to ethics, civility, and public service.
Technical proficiency in independent legal research, drafting, and case preparation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance options
✓Opportunities for professional growth 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 a USAJOBS account or log into your existing profile.
Review the vacancy announcement and ensure you have all required documents, including a two-page resume and a writing sample.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your cover letter addressed to United States Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
Upload all required supporting documentation and verify your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
Monitor your account for correspondence regarding interview invitations.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
Your writing sample should be your original work, no more than 20 pages, and completed within the last three years.
Submit early: Applications submitted by September 4, 2026, receive first-round consideration.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure you include appropriate documentation such as a DD-214.
Double-check that all contact information and employment dates (month/day/year) are accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of this appointment?

This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed September 30, 2029, though it may be extended or made permanent without further competition.

How is the salary determined?

Salary is administratively determined based on the applicant's total years of professional attorney experience, falling within the range of $76,748 to $197,100.

Can I apply if I haven't passed the bar yet?

Yes, current law students or graduates taking the July 2026 bar examination may be considered, provided they are active members of the bar 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 is among the most active federal districts in the nation. Spanning 43 counties and covering 44,000 square miles, the SDTX handles some of the most significant legal issues in America. From securing the border and dismantling narcotics networks to holding fraudsters accountable, the work performed here is essential to the rule of law. By joining this team, you become a vital part of the Department of Justice’s mission to ensure impartial justice for every American.