Assistant United States Attorney – Appellate

Job Description

Department of Justice

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

United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

Summary: Assistant United States Attorney – Appellate Division

Location: Houston, Texas
Agency: U.S. Department of Justice – U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
Type: Term appointment (Not-to-Exceed March 31, 2028), with potential to extend or become permanent
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizens and Nationals
Salary Range: $85,270 – $130,000 (includes 35% locality pay)
Application Review Start Date: May 7, 2025 (Rolling review every 30 days thereafter)
Travel Requirement: 1–5 nights per month, subject to change

About the Office

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest and busiest in the nation, covering 43 counties across 44,000 square miles and serving a population of 8.3 million. From Houston to the U.S.-Mexico border, this office handles a wide array of high-impact federal cases. Employment here offers an exceptional opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in public service within a fast-paced, high-stakes legal environment.

Position Overview

The Office is seeking qualified applicants for Assistant United States Attorney positions in the Appellate Division based in Houston. AUSAs in this division represent the United States in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, primarily handling criminal appeals and post-conviction litigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft appellate briefs and responses to post-conviction filings.
• Deliver oral arguments before the Fifth Circuit.
• Analyze complex legal issues including constitutional questions, statutory interpretation, evidentiary/procedural challenges, and sentencing matters.
• Handle cases related to immigration offenses, narcotics and human trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
• Provide trial support to AUSAs in the Criminal Division.

As your experience and training grow, you will be entrusted with increasingly complex cases.

Qualifications

Required:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution.
• Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal experience.
• Must reside within or relocate to within 25 miles of the Southern District of Texas jurisdiction.

Preferred:

• Strong academic background and legal writing skills.
• Experience with high-volume litigation or courtroom advocacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics, public service, and collaborative team environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in conducting legal research and independently preparing legal documents.

Additional Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
• Pre-employment background check (including fingerprinting, credit, tax, and drug screening).
• Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
• This is an initial 14-month term appointment, per DOJ policy for new attorneys.
• Relocation expenses are not authorized.

How to Apply

Submit the following documents via USAJOBS by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 30, 2025:

• Online occupational questionnaire (auto-generated during application).
• Resume with complete employment history (include dates).
• Cover letter addressed to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
• Writing sample (no more than 20 pages, authored solely by you, written within the last 3 years).
• Veterans’ Preference documentation (if applicable).

Apply through: https://www.usajobs.gov
Questions? Contact the Southern District of Texas at (956) 992-9414 or [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and a workplace free from discrimination. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations.