Assistant United States Attorney

First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by August 14, 2026, at 11:59pm EST. Applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days.

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) sits at the front line of the most consequential legal work in America: securing our border, dismantling narcotics trafficking networks, holding fraudsters who steal from the public accountable, and taking violent criminals off the streets. If you want a legal career that matters-not just a job that pays-this is it.

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you won't sit on the sidelines or wait years to cut your teeth leading major cases and investigations. You'll be in courtrooms across one of the busiest, most dynamic districts in the country, carrying a fast-paced, varied caseload from day one. And you'll do it in the furtherance of the Department of Justice's mission to enforce federal law, defend the interests of the United States, and ensure justice is administered impartially for every American.

This work is hard, and the hiring process is rigorous. We're looking for prosecutors-both aspiring and experienced-with sound judgment, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. In return, you'll join a team doing some of the most important public service work in the country: protecting the life, liberty, and property of your fellow citizens.

If that's the kind of challenge you're built for, we want to hear from you.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions in the Criminal Division in our Brownsville, 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.

Please note that we are hiring for this position in all grades from AD 21 to AD 29, which are generally calculated based on the number of years of professional work experience as an attorney a candidate has. The advertised salary range corresponds to these grades.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

The selected individual will serve in the Brownsville, TX office.

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.

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• 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 a July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

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 a July 2026 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.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

This position is located in Brownsville, TX.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.