Careers

The appointment of Assistant United States Attorneys is based on merit, and merit alone. Each federal prosecutor has the privilege and responsibility of representing the United States in court and making critical decisions affecting individuals and the public; accordingly, candidates are evaluated with respect to their experience, academic record, character, commitment to public service, courtroom presence, and their ability to work with and relate to a wide variety of people. Due to the complex and sophisticated nature of the work and its importance at both the local and national levels, successful applicants usually have at least two to three years of legal experience beyond law school.

The Eastern District of Texas seeks a diverse complement of lawyers with a wide range of skills, unified by keen intelligence and a sincere commitment to public interest. Current and former AUSAs have joined the office from many different prior places of employment, including from state and federal clerkships, other federal and state agencies, local prosecutors’ offices, and private practice. An equally important priority in the recruitment and hiring of new AUSAs has been to increase the number of minorities and women. The Eastern District has and will continue to build upon its commitment to develop and maintain a dedicated and diverse staff of Assistant United States Attorneys who are dedicated to serving the public.

Employment for all positions is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation by the Department of Justice. This thorough investigation includes checks with present and former employers, military records, and credit bureaus. The investigation also includes verifications of tax filings and attendance at institutions of higher learning. Those who are selected are subject to drug testing. United States citizenship is required.

To be considered for an Assistant United States Attorney position with the Eastern District of Texas, please apply directly to an open vacancy announcement – the human resources office does not accept unsolicited applications. Current job opportunities are available through the Office of Personnel Management’s USAJOBs web-site at http://www.usajobs.gov. The USAJOBs web-site serves as a gateway to federal job opportunities with this Office as well as all other federal agencies nation-wide. Please also provide a cover letter, resume, and writing sample of no more than 10 pages. Questions may be directed to the First Assistant United States Attorney, 101 East Park Boulevard, Suite 500, Plano, Texas 75074.

Staff
 

The Eastern District of Texas employs a wide-range of non-attorney staff positions that provide a number of critical supporting services to the District. Most commonly hired are the paralegal specialists and legal assistants who directly support the Assistant United States Attorneys during all stages of a case, from the inception of an investigation through trial. Equally important are the information technology and litigation support professionals who support the Assistant United States Attorneys in the courtroom as well as enable the District to efficiently operate by maintaining a complex web of crucial network, internet, and intranet services. The Administration Division is composed of other professionals, including those that support human resources and financial planning and expenditures, who provide the essential administrative services to keep the District operating smoothly and successfully. In all instances, just as it is with attorneys, the District seeks a diverse complement of professionals who are skilled, intelligent, motivated, and committed to the public interest.

If you are interested in applying for a staff position with the Eastern District, please apply directly to an open vacancy announcement – the human resources office does not accept unsolicited applications. Current job opportunities are available through the Office of Personnel Management’s USAJOBs web-site at http://www.usajobs.gov. The USAJOBs web-site serves as a gateway to federal job opportunities with this Office as well as all other federal agencies nation-wide.

Law Clerk Internship Information
 

The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas offers students a challenging and rewarding Law Clerk internship experience. During their internship, students have the opportunity to strengthen legal research and writing skills by applying them in a practical setting: for example, by drafting motions in advance of and during trial and appellate briefs to the Fifth Circuit. Student interns typically have the opportunity to observe court proceedings, from initial appearances through all phases of trial. Moreover, former Law Clerk interns have also had the opportunity to observe and participate in witness preparation sessions, debriefing defendants, and conferences with defense counsel and agents from a variety of local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Secret Service.

Internship positions are available in Beaumont, Plano, Sherman, and Tyler; availability depends on the hiring needs of each office. Internship positions are unpaid; however, law schools will often offer credit hours or other benefits related to public service work.

The U.S. Attorney's Office hires first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students for minimum six-week terms in the fall and spring. Security clearance and a background check is required for all applicants who are offered positions.

Application Deadlines:
- September 1st for Spring Program (January - May)
- May 1st for Fall Program (September - December)

Hiring Criteria
- United States citizenship
- Excellent academic credentials
- Superior legal writing and research abilities
- Strong advocacy skills
- Demonstrated commitment to public service
- Ability to manage multiple projects

Application Materials
- Cover letter (please indicate which term you prefer, if any)
- Resume
- Transcript
- Writing sample (no more than fifteen pages of your original written product)
- Two references

Please submit all application materials to Employment.Usaoedtx@usdoj.gov and specify the desired office location (or locations) in the subject line.