Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Posted: January 12, 2026 (2 days ago)
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Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Department of Justice
Location
Austin, Texas
Salary
$63,795 - $197,100
per year
Type
Full Time
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This job involves representing the U.S.
government in civil lawsuits, either defending against claims or pursuing cases to recover money from fraud or enforce laws on health, safety, and economic issues.
You'll handle everything from investigations and negotiations to court trials and appeals in areas like employment disputes, healthcare fraud, immigration, and land issues.
It's a great fit for lawyers with strong writing, research, and courtroom skills who are passionate about public service and ethics.
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:
Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Civil Division are responsible for representing the federal government and its agencies and employees in civil litigation pending in the Western District of Texas and the Fifth Circuit.
The civil division is divided into two sections: Defensive and Affirmative Civil Enforcement.
Typical defensive practice areas include employment disputes, tort actions, judicial review of agency decisions, and cases challenging the constitutionality of federal statutes and regulatory schemes.
AUSAs in the Affirmative Civil Enforcement section generally bring cases aimed at recovering money procured via fraud against the government.
Typical affirmative practice areas include healthcare and procurement fraud, opioid diversion, and litigation to impose civil penalties for violations of the nation's health, safety, and economic welfare laws.
Other areas of practice include immigration, land condemnation and bankruptcy.
AUSAs in the Civil Division are active at both the trial and appellate levels, taking depositions, preparing and answering interrogatories, negotiating for settlement, engaging in motions practice, trying cases, and writing and arguing appeals.
The Office is seeking applicants for immigration, bankruptcy, land condemnation, affirmative, and defensive positions.
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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