Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys • Laredo, TX

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is hiring Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division at its Laredo, Texas office. AUSAs prosecute federal offenses and represent the United States in federal court, handling cases involving organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime. The role involves complex investigations and litigation in a large, busy federal district and supports the Department of Justice’s mission to enforce federal law, defend U.S. interests, and administer justice impartially. Responsibilities increase in complexity as training and experience progress.

Positions are offered at AD-21 through AD-29, grades that generally correspond to professional attorney experience. The stated salary range is $79,718 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay. Selected candidates will receive a $20,000 signing bonus with a three-year service commitment. Relocation expenses or an additional relocation incentive may be authorized or considered, depending on the circumstances.

The position is based in Laredo, Texas. AUSAs generally must reside in the district or within 25 miles of it. Travel averages one to five nights per month and may vary. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, hold a J.D. or equivalent, and be an active member of a bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by their entry-on-duty date. Law school graduates and current students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered, subject to the entry-on-duty requirements. Appointment is conditioned on satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.

The Department of Justice offers benefits that include paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Requirements

• Be a United States citizen or national.
• Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry-on-duty date.
• Be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date; law school graduates and current students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered subject to this requirement.
• Reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles of it.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable.
• Pass required pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment requires a favorable background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Strong academic credentials.
• Superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability and precision in articulating critical case-related issues.
• High-volume courtroom experience; first-chair jury trial experience is preferred.
• Outstanding organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work supportively and professionally with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Computer proficiency and ability to conduct legal research and writing independently and prepare day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal criminal violations involving organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime.
• Lead and handle complex investigations and litigation.
• Represent the United States in federal court.
• Enforce federal laws, defend federal interests, and contribute to the impartial administration of justice.
• Assume assignments of increasing responsibility and complexity as training and experience progress.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Life insurance
• Health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
• $20,000 signing bonus with a three-year service commitment for selected candidates
• Relocation expenses may be authorized; an additional relocation incentive may be considered

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree