Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal

Summary

Take on high-stakes federal cases in one of the nation's largest and busiest U.S. Attorney's Offices. SDTX spans 43 counties, 44,000 square miles, and 10 million citizens from Houston to the U.S.-Mexico border. As an AUSA, you'll join the elite ranks of federal prosecutors to manage complex litigation, pursue justice, and defend the rule of law. This is a mission for attorneys ready to take action and make a difference. This position is located in McAllen, Texas.

Duties

First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by October 30, 2026, at 11:59pm EST. Applicant list will be reviewed every 14 days. The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is on the front lines of some of the most consequential legal battles in America. From dismantling sophisticated criminal networks and securing our border to combating fraud, protecting federal interests, and defending the rule of law in court, our work has real consequences for the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people. If you want a legal career defined by mission, challenge, and impact-not simply a legal job billing hours-this is your opportunity. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you won't spend years waiting for meaningful responsibility. You'll tackle high-stakes cases, lead complex investigations and litigation, and represent the United States in federal court. You'll confront difficult legal questions, sharpen your advocacy, and take on challenges that demand sound judgment, intellectual rigor, and courage. In one of the nation's largest, busiest, and most dynamic federal districts, your work will advance the Department of Justice's mission to enforce federal law, defend the interests of the United States, and ensure that justice is administered impartially. The work is demanding. The stakes are real. The standards are high. We're looking for attorneys-both aspiring and experienced-with grit, integrity, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. In return, you'll have the opportunity to serve alongside dedicated professionals, take ownership of consequential matters, and make a tangible difference in the lives of your fellow Americans. This is more than a job. It's a chance to put your legal skills to the test, shoulder responsibility when it matters, and serve a mission greater than yourself. If you're ready to answer the call, we want to hear from you. The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill AUSA positions in the Criminal Division in our McAllen, Texas office. Our Criminal Division AUSAs are responsible for prosecuting a variety of violations and enforcing federal laws related to organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime. We are hiring for this position at pay grades AD-21 through AD-29 of the Administratively Determined (AD) Pay Plan. These grades generally correspond to an applicant's years of professional attorney experience. For example, AD-21 typically applies to attorneys with 0-2 years of experience, while AD-29 applies to attorneys with 9 or more years. The current salary range for AD-21 through AD-29 is $76,748.00 to $197,100.00, including applicable locality pay. Candidates selected for an AUSA position under this job posting will receive a $20,000 signing bonus with a 3-year service commitment. Some candidates may also be eligible for an additional relocation-expense incentive, which will be discussed on a case-by-case basis as applicants navigate through the process. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. For more information on the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office, visit: http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered, subject to the foregoing requirements. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Strong academic credentials, superior legal research and writing skills, quick analytical ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical case-related issues, high-volume courtroom experience, outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a supportive and professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials, is preferred. Successful candidates will be computer proficient, capable of doing their own legal research and writing, and self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is located in McAllen, TX. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree by Enter on Duty (EOD) date.