Assistant United States Attorney - Civil

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

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is hiring Assistant United States Attorneys for its Civil Division in Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, or Brownsville, Texas. The position offers the opportunity to litigate a broad range of significant and complex cases on behalf of the United States in federal court, as part of a team enforcing federal civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property.

The selected attorney will handle land condemnation matters and related cases involving the border with Mexico, immigration enforcement matters, warrants, asylum and passport cases, and general civil litigation. Responsibilities and assignment complexity will increase with training and experience. The role involves consequential federal litigation and requires sound judgment, advocacy, integrity, and commitment to public service and the rule of law.

The position is hired at AD-21 through AD-29 pay grades, generally corresponding to years of professional attorney experience. The stated salary range is $65,563 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay. Selected candidates may receive a $20,000 signing bonus in exchange for a three-year service commitment; relocation expenses or an additional relocation incentive may also be considered. Travel averages one to five nights per month and may vary. AUSAs generally must reside in the appointed district 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 students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered subject to this requirement.
• 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.
• Meet pre-employment adjudication requirements, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable.
• Reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles thereof.
• Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement’s closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Strong academic credentials.
• Superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability and ability to articulate critical case-related issues accurately and precisely.
• High-volume courtroom experience.
• 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.
• Courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials.
• Computer proficiency and ability to conduct independent legal research and writing.
• Self-sufficiency in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Responsibilities

• Litigate significant and complex cases on behalf of the United States in federal court.
• Handle land condemnation matters and related cases involving the border with Mexico.
• Handle immigration enforcement matters and issue warrants.
• Defend asylum and passport cases.
• Handle general civil litigation matters.
• Take on increasing responsibility and more complex assignments as training and experience progress.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
• Potential $20,000 signing bonus with a three-year service commitment
• Relocation expenses may be authorized; a recruitment or relocation incentive may be considered

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level