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Posted: January 12, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

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

Department of Justice

Fresh

Salary

$63,795 - $197,100

per year

Type

Closes

April 13, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job is for an Assistant United States Attorney who prosecutes federal crimes, especially those related to illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and organized crime like Mexican drug cartels, working from offices across Texas including Alpine.

The role involves helping law enforcement build cases, taking them to trial, and sometimes handling appeals in higher courts.

It's a good fit for lawyers with at least one year of experience who are passionate about public service, have strong writing and analytical skills, and are ready for demanding courtroom work.

Key Requirements

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school
  • Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction
  • At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant experience
  • United States citizenship
  • Strong legal writing, research, and analytical abilities
  • Courtroom skills and good judgment
  • Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service
  • Successful background investigation, including security checks and drug testing
  • Residency within the district or 25 miles thereof

Full Job Description

Our mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.

We strive to build a stronger office through recruitment efforts and by promoting professional development. We seek to further build on the legacy of excellence built by those who have come before us.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1* year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Hiring preferences include strong academics, outstanding organizational skills, superior legal writing and research ability, demonstrated analytical ability, good judgment and courtroom skills, and a commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.

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

Working out of offices in San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Del Rio, Waco, Midland, and Alpine, Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Criminal Division prosecute a wide variety of federal crimes.

Individuals chosen to be AUSAs in our office will investigate and prosecute an assortment of cases with a particular focus on those cases involving illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, human smuggling, and transnational organized crime, including Mexican drug cartels.

The qualified applicant would be expected to (a) assist federal law enforcement agents in structuring and implementing criminal investigative plans and strategies; and (b) litigate cases of varying degrees of complexity from start to finish.

Appellate AUSAs working out of Austin, San Antonio and El Paso will represent the United States in cases before the Fifth Circuit and will handle all aspects of affirmative and defensive appeals from criminal cases arising in the District.

Responsibilities will include appellate briefs and oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural matters.

AUSAs will also review draft briefs written by fellow AUSAs and participate in moot courts. Aside from appellate litigation, AUSAs in this division will advise the U.S.

Attorney and fellow AUSAs on developments in the law and significant legal issues; handle specialized litigation in federal district court; and consult with the Solicitor General's Office and the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice regarding appeals, petitions for rehearing en banc, and litigation in the U.S.

Supreme Court. 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: 1/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/13/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-WDTX-12863862-AUSA-5