Launch Your Federal Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Houston

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) represents one of the most critical and fast-paced jurisdictions in the American legal system. Spanning 44,000 square miles and serving 10 million people, the SDTX is currently seeking a highly motivated and capable Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to join the Civil Division in Houston.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, your primary duties will involve:

Litigating a broad spectrum of federal civil cases.
Representing the United States in immigration enforcement and asylum defense.
Handling habeas corpus proceedings.
Seeking federal injunctions.
Drafting pleadings, warrants, and correspondence in a self-sufficient manner.

Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must be:

U.S. Citizens.
Juris Doctor graduates and active bar members.
Able to clear a rigorous background investigation and drug test.
Capable of residing within 25 miles of the Houston office.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen Required
Education	J.D. Degree Required
Experience	Professional Attorney Experience
Location	Houston, Texas

Salary Overview

Compensation for this role is administratively determined based on your years of professional legal experience. The range for this position is $88,510 to $197,100 per annum, reflecting the locality and the complexity of the grade (AD-21 to AD-29).

Benefits

Employees of the DOJ enjoy a robust federal benefits package including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Mind the length: Your resume must be two pages or fewer.
Showcase courtroom skills: Highlight trial experience, particularly jury trials.
Early bird advantage: Submit by September 10, 2026, for priority consideration.

This role is not for the faint of heart; it is for the attorney seeking to make a tangible difference in the rule of law. If you possess the legal prowess and the desire to serve your country in a top-tier litigation environment, apply for this SDTX position today.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney - Perm Civil (Border Fence) Job Matters

Join the front lines of federal litigation in the Southern District of Texas—a high-stakes environment where your legal work directly impacts national security and civil justice.

Assistant United States Attorney - Perm Civil (Border Fence) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for its Civil Division in Houston. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage a fast-paced, diverse caseload, including immigration enforcement, habeas corpus defense, and complex civil litigation. As a member of one of the busiest offices in the nation, you will tackle issues of national significance while upholding the rule of law.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney - Perm Civil (Border Fence)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must 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 pass a drug test and background investigation.
Must meet residency requirements (residing within the district or within 25 miles).
Must register with the Selective Service System if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney - Perm Civil (Border Fence)

Superior legal research and writing abilities.
Proven experience with high-volume courtroom litigation.
First-chair jury trial experience.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, professional team environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney - Perm Civil (Border Fence) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload a two-page resume detailing your work experience and accomplishments.
Draft and upload a persuasive writing sample (max 20 pages, created in the last 3 years).
Address your cover letter to United States Attorney Aaron F. Reitz.
Submit your complete package through the USAJOBS portal by the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be rejected.
Quantify your courtroom experience, specifically highlighting jury trials.
Prioritize the early submission date (September 10) for primary consideration.
Double-check that all contact information and dates are accurate to avoid processing delays.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all supporting documents (DD-214/SF-15) are attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical starting salary for this position?

Salary is administratively determined based on your professional experience and the specific AD grade assigned, ranging from $88,510 to $197,100.

Are there residency requirements for AUSAs?

Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys must generally reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

What is the nature of the initial appointment?

All initial attorney positions within the Department of Justice are made on a 14-month temporary basis.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of federal law enforcement. The SDTX office is at the forefront of securing our borders, combating fraud, and dismantling narcotics networks. Attorneys here do not wait to gain experience; they are thrust into high-stakes litigation, handling complex matters that define national policy and local justice.