Summary

This position is located in Houston, TX.

Duties

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First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by August 31, 2026, at 11:59pm EST. Applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days.

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 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.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas seeks an experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Houston office. The incumbent will serve as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the Civil Division. Selectee will handle a docket of affirmative cases brought under the False Claims Act, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, FIRREA, among other laws. The selected applicant will have the opportunity to perform an important public service by representing the interests of the United States of America in civil actions brought by the United States in federal court. The incumbent will also oversee investigations from inception through to settlement or trial. The responsibilities of this position may include researching legal issues, drafting legal memoranda, drafting and responding to discovery requests, document review and organization, taking or defending depositions, and representing the United States as primary and/or secondary counsel in judicial proceedings, such as hearings and trials.

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

The selected individual will serve in Houston, TX, within the Civil Division's Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) section.

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

Please be advised the Southern District of Texas is advertising this position in all AD grades from 21 to 29. The grade is generally determined based on the number of years of professional Attorney experience the applicant possesses. The advertised salary range corresponds to the specified grades.

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.

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.
• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered, subject to the foregoing requirements.

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Active Texas bar membership is preferred. Familiarity and experience with the False Claims Act, Stark Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, FIRREA, among other laws. Other hiring preferences include superior legal writing and research ability, outstanding organizational and time management skills, strong academics, and a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service. The successful applicant will have the following: (1) excellent judgment and a strong work ethic; (2) the ability to work independently and efficiently; (3) the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with other lawyers and staff; and (4) outstanding skills in legal analysis, research, and writing.

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

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree by Enter on Duty (EOD) date.

Additional information

Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of pay for this position (including locality) is $88,510.00 to $197,100.00.

Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

Travel: 1 to 5 days per month on average

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Political Appointees (Current and Former):Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.