Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

The Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division. This high-profile role serves as the backbone of federal legal enforcement, requiring sharp legal minds capable of navigating complex civil litigation and defending the interests of the United States. If you are a dedicated attorney looking to transition into a career defined by public service and the rigorous pursuit of justice, this is an unparalleled opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, your work will be diverse and intellectually challenging. The division operates through two primary sections: Defensive and Affirmative.

Defensive Litigation: You will represent federal agencies and employees in disputes involving immigration, employment law, tort claims, and constitutional challenges to federal regulatory frameworks.
Affirmative Litigation: You will take the lead in recovering taxpayer funds through fraud litigation and debt collection processes.
Litigation lifecycle: You will manage cases from inception through trial and appeal, which includes drafting pleadings, taking depositions, motions practice, and oral advocacy.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Bar Membership: You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: A minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position.

Salary Overview

Compensation is commensurate with experience and the specific locality. Below is the salary range breakdown by city:

Location	Salary Range (Per Year)
Austin, TX	$78,905 - $197,100
El Paso, TX	$76,748 - $197,100
San Antonio, TX	$77,876 - $197,100

Benefits

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

Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
Support for professional growth and continuing legal education.

Application Tips

Format strictly: Your resume must be two pages maximum. Exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Specify location: Your cover letter must list your office location preferences (Austin, El Paso, San Antonio) in order.
Detail your experience: Include dates (month, day, year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Utilize USAJOBS: Submit your application through the official portal and ensure all supplemental documentation is attached.

How long does the hiring process take?

Applicants are notified at each stage. Final job offers are generally expected within 120 days after the announcement closes.

Is a background check required?

Yes, as this position is classified as "Critical-Sensitive," candidates must undergo a comprehensive security background investigation.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the integrity of our legal system. If you possess the experience, ethical grounding, and dedication to represent the United States, we encourage you to apply. This is your chance to make a lasting impact in one of the most active legal districts in the nation.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Matters

Join the front lines of justice in the Western District of Texas—defend the interests of the United States and shape the future of federal civil law.

Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Overview

The Department of Justice is seeking dedicated legal professionals to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Civil Division of the Western District of Texas. This role offers a unique opportunity to represent the federal government across a vast geographic area, covering 93,000 square miles and significant border territory. You will manage complex litigation, including immigration matters, employment disputes, and affirmative fraud recovery, while working at the intersection of trial-level advocacy and appellate practice.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant professional experience.
U.S. citizenship is strictly required for this position.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Must be able to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Exceptional academic record.
Superior legal research and writing proficiency.
Strong courtroom experience and litigation skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex analytical tasks.
Outstanding organizational capabilities and sound professional judgment.
Proven commitment to ethics, civility, and public service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

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

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare a cover letter ranking your preferred locations (Austin, El Paso, or San Antonio).
Draft a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your specific duties, dates of employment, and time commitment.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Be precise: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less to avoid immediate disqualification.
Rankings matter: Clearly list your office location preferences in your cover letter.
Documentation: If claiming veterans' preference, include all necessary forms like the DD 214 or SF 15 early in the process.
Review requirements: Double-check that your resume includes specific dates (month/day/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the residency requirement for an AUSA?

Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles of its boundaries.

Is travel expected in this role?

Yes, this position involves occasional travel to manage litigation requirements throughout the Western District of Texas.

How is the starting salary determined?

Pay is administratively determined based on the candidate's years of professional legal experience and the specific locality pay of the duty station.

Is this position telework eligible?

This position is generally not eligible for remote work, as physical presence is required for court appearances and office operations.

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 Western District of Texas represents the federal government in one of the most dynamic districts in the country. Spanning 93,000 square miles, including a vast border region with Mexico, our office is at the center of the nation's efforts to curb transnational organized crime and enforce federal law. We are a team of professionals committed to protecting the life, liberty, and property of our citizens while upholding the rule of law.