Become an Assistant United States Attorney: A Career in Federal Service

The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Texas represents the pinnacle of federal prosecution. If you are an attorney driven by the pursuit of justice and the desire to serve the public, the opportunity to join our team as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) offers an unmatched platform to tackle complex criminal litigation.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in this term position, you will be on the front lines of federal law enforcement. Your primary responsibilities include:

Investigative Oversight: Partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to build robust criminal cases.
Prosecution: Managing cases involving immigration violations, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and foreign terrorist organizations.
Legal Advocacy: Researching, drafting pleadings, and trying cases in federal court.
Legal Strategy: Advising federal agents on policy and legal issues while recommending charging decisions.

Comparison: Legal Qualifications

Requirement Type	Preferred Candidate	Essential Qualification
Legal Education	Master of Laws (LLM)	Juris Doctor (JD)
Experience	Felony Trial History	Active Bar Membership
Skills	Prosecution Strategy	Strong Legal Research

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must be a licensed attorney in good standing. You must also satisfy federal security requirements, including a full background investigation, fingerprinting, and pre-employment drug screening. A commitment to residency within the district is required.

Salary Overview

Compensation for AUSAs is administratively determined based on your professional experience.

General Range: $73,939 to $173,485 (plus locality for specific areas).
High-Locality Range (Plano/Sherman): Up to $188,602.

Benefits

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

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Generous paid time off (Vacation/Sick leave).
Federal holidays and telework opportunities.

Application Tips

Mind the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a strict administrative rule.
Detailed History: Include exact dates (month, day, year) for all prior employment.
Veterans' Preference: If applicable, attach your documentation early to ensure full consideration.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to define your legacy in the American judicial system. If you are ready for the challenge, we encourage you to submit your application by November 9, 2026.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney/Border District Surge - Term Job Matters

Advance the rule of law as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Texas, where your legal expertise will directly combat complex criminal enterprises and protect our communities.

Assistant United States Attorney/Border District Surge - Term Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for a critical term position. This role focuses on high-impact prosecutions, including immigration enforcement, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. You will serve across a vast 43-county district, working alongside elite federal agencies to ensure justice is upheld with integrity and excellence.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney/Border District Surge - Term

Possession of a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment security/suitability background investigation.
Must be able to pass a drug screening test.
Must reside in or within 25 miles of the assigned district.
Registration with the Selective Service System if applicable.
Ability to complete a mandatory 14-month initial probationary/background review period.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney/Border District Surge - Term

Prior felony trial experience in a courtroom setting.
Proven track record of managing investigations from the initial stage through to trial.
Exceptional analytical, legal research, and writing capabilities.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with federal agents, support staff, and fellow attorneys.
Demonstrated sound judgment and high ethical standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Life insurance coverage options.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney/Border District Surge - Term Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney/Border District Surge - Term Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the occupational questionnaire embedded in the online application.
Upload a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit, detailing specific employment dates and duties.
Include documentation for veterans' preference if applicable.
Review your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Ensure all documents are uploaded prior to the November 9, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Stick strictly to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Include month/day/year for all employment history to ensure your experience is properly credited.
Clearly articulate your trial and investigative experience in your summary of duties.
Double-check your eligibility for veterans' preference and attach all required forms (SF-15/DD-214) at the time of application.
Ensure all contact information for previous employers is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a term position not-to-exceed March 31, 2028, though it may be extended or converted to permanent status depending on agency needs and funding.

What is the expected salary?

The salary depends on experience and the specific location. Base pay starts at $73,939 and scales up to $188,602 for roles in the Plano and Sherman areas, factoring in locality pay.

Can I work remotely?

This position is not listed as remote. You must be prepared to work from one of the district office locations and adhere to residency requirements.

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

The Department of Justice stands as the primary guardian of the rule of law in America. The Eastern District of Texas is a massive jurisdiction spanning 43 counties and over 50,000 square miles. With offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler, our team works tirelessly to uphold civil rights, protect national security, and ensure the safety of our communities.