Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal

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

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is hiring Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division at its McAllen, Texas office. The district spans 43 counties and 44,000 square miles, serving approximately 10 million people. The role involves prosecuting federal criminal cases, managing complex investigations and litigation, and representing the United States in federal court. The office handles matters involving organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime. Responsibilities and assignment complexity increase with training and experience.

Positions are offered at AD-21 through AD-29 pay grades, generally corresponding to professional attorney experience. The stated salary range is $76,748 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay. Selected candidates will receive a $20,000 signing bonus with a three-year service commitment; some may also be considered for relocation-expense incentives. Relocation expenses may be authorized. Travel averages one to five nights per month and may vary. AUSAs generally must reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles of it.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent and be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered, subject to these requirements.
• Reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles of it.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable.
• Satisfy preemployment adjudication requirements, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment is subject to favorable background-investigation adjudication.
• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Nice To Haves

• Strong academic credentials.
• Superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability and the ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical case-related issues.
• High-volume courtroom experience; courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials, is preferred.
• Outstanding organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a supportive, professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Computer proficiency and ability to conduct independent legal research and writing and prepare day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal criminal violations and enforce federal laws related to organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime.
• Lead complex investigations and litigation.
• Represent the United States in federal court.
• Manage consequential cases and assignments, with responsibilities increasing 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
• Possible relocation-expense incentive
• Relocation expenses may be authorized

What This Job Offers

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