Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal

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

9d • 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 Houston, Texas office. The office serves a 43-county, 44,000-square-mile district representing 8.3 million people. AUSAs prosecute federal violations involving organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime. They represent the United States in federal court and handle consequential investigations and litigation. Responsibilities and assignments grow in complexity with training and experience.

The position is offered at pay grades AD-21 through AD-29, generally corresponding to years of professional attorney experience. The stated current salary range is $88,510 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

• Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry-on-duty date; law school graduates and current law students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered subject to the stated requirements.
• Be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date.
• Be a United States citizen or national; the qualifications section specifies United States citizenship.
• Reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles of it.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable.
• Successfully complete preemployment screening, including fingerprint, credit, tax, and drug checks; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
• Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

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 and professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Computer proficiency, ability to conduct legal research and writing independently, and self-sufficiency in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal violations and enforce laws relating to organized crime, financial litigation, immigration, drugs, firearms, public corruption, asset forfeiture, and white-collar crime.
• Lead complex investigations and litigation and represent the United States in federal court.
• Handle assignments that increase in 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
• Possible relocation expenses and relocation-expense incentive

What This Job Offers

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