Assistant Attorney; Appellate

Hiring Organization

USAO Southern District of Texas

Hiring Office

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job

27-SDTX--AUSA

Location:

Wells Fargo Plaza Building

Final date to receive applications:

Saturday, January 9, 2027

The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) sits at the front line of the most consequential legal work in America: securing our border, dismantling narcotics trafficking networks, holding fraudsters who steal from the public accountable, and taking violent criminals off the streets. If you want a legal career that matters-not just a job that pays-this is it.

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in SDTX, you won't sit on the sidelines or wait years to cut your teeth leading major cases and investigations. You'll be in courtrooms across from one of the busiest, most dynamic districts in the country, carrying a fast-paced, varied caseload from day one. And you'll do it in the furtherance of the Department of Justice's mission to enforce federal law, defend the interests of the United States, and ensure justice is administered impartially for every American.

This work is hard, and the hiring process is rigorous. We're looking for prosecutors-both aspiring and experienced-with sound judgment, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. In return, you'll join a team doing some of the most important public service work in the country: protecting the life, liberty, and property of your fellow citizens.

If that's the kind of challenge you're built for, we want to hear from you.

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit: http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx

The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently seeking to fill AUSA positions in the Appellate Division in our Houston, Texas office. The Appellate Division represents the U.S. Attorney's Office in criminal matters in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. As an AUSA in the Appellate Division, you will research, write appellate briefs and post-conviction responses, and present oral arguments on a variety of complex and novel issues involving the constitution, statutory construction, evidentiary and procedural matters, and sentencing issues.

You will be assigned cases arising from offenses relating to immigration, national security, and public safety. You will also provide real-time trial assistance to Criminal Division AUSAs.

We are hiring for this position at pay grades AD‑21 through AD‑29 of the Administratively Determined (AD) Pay Plan. These grades generally correspond to an applicant's years of professional attorney experience. For example, AD‑21 typically applies to attorneys with 0-2 years of experience, while AD‑29 applies to attorneys with 9 or more years. The current salary range for AD‑21 through AD‑29 is $88,510 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay.

Candidates selected for an AUSA position under this job posting will receive a $20,000 signing bonus with a 3‑year service commitment. Some candidates may also be eligible for an additional relocation‑expense incentive, which will be discussed on a case‑by‑case basis as applicants navigate through the process.

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

For more information on the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office, visit: http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx

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.

If you are…