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Posted: April 8, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Open Continuous

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys

Department of Justice

Fresh

Salary

$65,563 - $153,834

per year

Type

Closes

September 30, 2026More DOJ jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job is for an Assistant United States Attorney who works with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute federal crimes like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and organized crime in New Mexico courts.

It involves giving legal advice, preparing court documents, and handling trials, with a focus on cases tied to cartels and terrorist groups.

A good fit would be a licensed lawyer with strong analytical skills, excellent writing and speaking abilities, and experience in criminal law who thrives in a team environment.

Key Requirements

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school
  • Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction
  • United States citizenship
  • Strong analytical, research, and writing skills
  • Excellent oral communication and courtroom advocacy abilities
  • Good judgment and interpersonal skills for working with law enforcement and staff
  • Ability to reside in the District of New Mexico or within 25 miles

Full Job Description

This announcement will be open until positions are filled. However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by April 22, 2026, 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

Applicant lists will be reviewed approximately every 30 days. The positions advertised are located in Albuquerque & Las Cruces, New Mexico. The U.S.

Attorney's Office is seeking qualified, experienced AUSAs to: Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to manage criminal investigations and prosecutions brought in the federal courts in the District of New Mexico.

Advise federal agents on questions of law and Departmental policy. Recommend charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.

Research and draft all legal pleadings and be prepared to try cases in federal court. Investigate and pursue asset forfeiture related to prosecutions.

Oversee and coordinate the preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff. Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree Be an active member of the bar (any U.S.

jurisdiction). United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a case.

Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills, as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment.

Applicants must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

Duties of Criminal Assistant United States Attorneys Assistant US Attorneys located in the District of New Mexico prosecute a wide variety of federal crime, breaches of national security, child exploitation, public corruption, transnational organized crime, and violent crime.

The positions currently being filled will investigate and prosecute cases involving illegal immigration, illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, and targeting the Cartels and Transitional Criminal Organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing.

In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

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.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 4/8/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/9/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-NM-12929971-AUSA