Assistant Attorney; Criminal

Position: Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
Summary

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.

Summary

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.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

01/12/2026 to 04/13/2026

Salary $63,795 to - $197,100 per year Pay scale & grade AD 21

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Alpine, TX

Austin, TX

Del Rio, TX

El Paso, TX

Show morefewer locations (2)

Midland, TX

San Antonio, TX

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Excepted

Promotion potential

29

Job family (Series)

* 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status No Security clearance Secret Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Trust determination process

* National security

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number 26-WDTX--AUSA-5 Control number

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All United States Citizens and Nationals

Duties

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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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

* You must be a United States Citizen or National.

* Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

* You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.

* J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.

* Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles…