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Posted: February 9, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

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

Department of Justice

Fresh

Salary

$76,748 - $197,100

per year

Type

Closes

March 11, 2026More DOJ jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job is for an Assistant United States Attorney focused on handling appeals in federal criminal cases, which means writing legal arguments, presenting them in court, and advising on legal matters to represent the government.

It involves working on cases from Texas districts in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and sometimes higher courts.

A good fit would be someone with strong legal writing skills, at least a year of experience after law school, and a passion for public service and ethical law practice.

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 and research abilities
  • Excellent analytical skills and good judgment
  • Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service

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:

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, Appellate AUSAs 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: 2/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-WDTX-12871252-AUSA-7