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. The ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of civil litigation experience in bankruptcy. Other desirable casework includes employment litigation, torts, and immigration. Additional preferred qualifications are first-chair federal trial experience, strong academics, outstanding organizational skills, superior legal writing and research ability, and exceptional computer literacy skills (internet research, electronic court filing, email and word processing systems). Ideal candidates will also possess demonstrated analytical ability, good judgment and courtroom skills, and a commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Texas Bar membership is preferred, but not required. Spanish language proficiency is helpful, but not required. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Based in Houston, TX, the selected individual will manage bankruptcy-related cases within the Civil Division. 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 civil litigation experience in bankruptcy. Other desirable casework includes employment litigation, torts, and immigration. Additional preferred qualifications are first-chair federal trial experience, strong academics, outstanding organizational skills, superior legal writing and research ability, and exceptional computer literacy skills (internet research, electronic court filing, email and word processing systems). Ideal candidates will also possess demonstrated analytical ability, good judgment and courtroom skills, and a commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. Texas Bar membership is preferred, but not required. Spanish language proficiency is helpful, but not required. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
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