Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Open Continuous
What you'd do
This announcement will be open until positions are filled. However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by April 22, 2026, 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Applicant lists will be reviewed approximately every 30 days. The positions advertised are located in Albuquerque & Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Major duties
Duties of Criminal Assistant United States Attorneys Assistant US Attorneys located in the District of New Mexico prosecute a wide variety of federal crime, breaches of national security, child exploitation, public corruption, transnational organized crime, and violent crime. The positions currently being filled will investigate and prosecute cases involving illegal immigration, illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, and targeting the Cartels and Transitional Criminal Organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. 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.
What you need to qualify
The U.S. Attorney's Office is seeking qualified, experienced AUSAs to: Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to manage criminal investigations and prosecutions brought in the federal courts in the District of New Mexico. Advise federal agents on questions of law and Departmental policy. Recommend charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases. Research and draft all legal pleadings and be prepared to try cases in federal court. Investigate and pursue asset forfeiture related to prosecutions. Oversee and coordinate the preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff. Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree Be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction). United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a case. Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills, as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment. Applicants must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.