Assistant United States Attorney - Civil
What you'd do
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is among the largest and busiest in the nation, spanning 43 counties and 44,000 square miles and representing 10 million people from the Houston area to the Mexico border. Employment with the U.S. Attorney's Office is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience for highly motivated attorneys. This position is located in Houston, TX.
Major duties
First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by August 31, 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 United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas seeks an experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Houston office. The incumbent will serve as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the Civil Division. Selectee will handle a docket of affirmative cases brought under the False Claims Act, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, FIRREA, among other laws. The selected applicant will have the opportunity to perform an important public service by representing the interests of the United States of America in civil actions brought by the United States in federal court. The incumbent will also oversee investigations from inception through to settlement or trial. The responsibilities of this position may include researching legal issues, drafting legal memoranda, drafting and responding to discovery requests, document review and organization, taking or defending depositions, and representing the United States as primary and/or secondary counsel in judicial proceedings, such as hearings and trials. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. The selected individual will serve in Houston, TX, within the Civil Division's Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) section. 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 Please be advised the Southern District of Texas is advertising this position in all AD grades from 21 to 29. The grade is generally determined based on the number of years of professional Attorney experience the applicant possesses. The advertised salary range corresponds to the specified grades. 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
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: Active Texas bar membership is preferred. Familiarity and experience with the False Claims Act, Stark Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, FIRREA, among other laws. Other hiring preferences include superior legal writing and research ability, outstanding organizational and time management skills, strong academics, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. The successful applicant will have the following: (1) excellent judgment and a strong work ethic; (2) the ability to work independently and efficiently; (3) the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with other lawyers and staff; and (4) outstanding skills in legal analysis, research, and writing. 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.