Become an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas offers one of the most challenging and rewarding environments for legal professionals in the country. If you are an attorney with a passion for public service and a drive for justice, a career as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) offers the opportunity to prosecute high-impact criminal cases while upholding the rule of law.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, your daily responsibilities will involve:

Investigating federal criminal violations in coordination with federal law enforcement.
Developing and executing complex trial strategies.
Litigating criminal cases from initial indictment through to final judgment.
Collaborating with agents to build airtight cases against organizations involved in drug and firearms trafficking.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Possession of a Juris Doctor degree.
Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Salary Overview

Location	Salary Range (Per Year)
Alpine, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland	$76,748 - $197,100

Note: Pay is administratively determined based on professional legal experience.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits:

Retirement savings through the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Competitive health, vision, and dental insurance options.
Generous leave accrual for holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes lead to automatic disqualification.
Specify Preference: Ensure your cover letter clearly identifies your geographic preferences.
Detail Your Experience: Be thorough with dates of employment and specific duty descriptions to ensure you receive credit for your experience.

Serving as an AUSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and security of the United States. If you are ready to apply your legal expertise in a high-stakes environment, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application before the October 30, 2026, deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters

Serve justice on the front lines: Join the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Texas as a Criminal Division Assistant United States Attorney.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join its Criminal Division. This role is pivotal in enforcing federal law and defending the interests of the United States. You will handle complex investigations and prosecutions involving drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, human smuggling, and immigration-related offenses across a district covering 93,000 square miles and 660 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including credit and tax checks
Must pass a pre-employment drug test
Must be willing to reside in the appointed district or within 25 miles thereof
Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Strong academic performance
Exceptional legal research and writing abilities
Demonstrated courtroom skills and litigation experience
Superior analytical judgment and organizational capabilities
Commitment to professional ethics, public service, and civil discourse

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Potential for telework based on agency policy

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare a cover letter ranking preferred work locations.
Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
Monitor application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit, or your application will be disqualified.
Explicitly rank your preferred office locations in your cover letter.
Include specific dates (month, day, and year) for all previous employment history.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all required documents such as the DD-214 and SF-15 are included.
Start early to allow time for the system's virus scan and document processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one location?

Yes, the office has openings in Alpine, Del Rio, El Paso, and Midland. You must list your location preferences in order in your cover letter.

What is the security clearance requirement?

This position requires a Secret clearance and is classified as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk. Employment is contingent upon successful adjudication of a background investigation.

Is residency required?

Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district of their appointment or within 25 miles of its borders.

How soon can I expect an offer?

The office aims to provide final job offers within 120 days of the announcement closing date.

Does this position require travel?

Yes, occasional travel is required for case management and litigation purposes.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the legal arm of the United States government. The Western District of Texas office is a unique, high-paced environment covering 93,000 square miles of territory. Due to its significant 660-mile border with Mexico, AUSAs in this district are at the forefront of national efforts to combat illegal immigration, drug cartels, and transnational human trafficking.