Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Are you a legal professional passionate about national security and federal law? The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently seeking talented attorneys to join their mission-driven team. With openings in Artesia, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, this position offers a unique chance to work on the front lines of trade enforcement, immigration policy, and constitutional law.
Job Responsibilities
Attorneys in this office engage in a wide variety of legal challenges. Your responsibilities will include:
- Legal Counsel: Providing guidance on search and seizure protocols, admissibility at ports of entry, and trade enforcement.
- Litigation Support: Assisting the Department of Justice in civil and criminal actions, including FOIA requests, tort cases, and asset forfeiture.
- Ethics & Employment Law: Representing the agency in labor disputes and administrative hearings before the Merit Systems Protection Board and the EEOC.
- Training: Developing and delivering legal education for CBP managers regarding the Hatch Act, whistleblower protections, and search protocols.
Comparison: Legal Focus Areas
| Focus Area | Typical Activity | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration | Admissibility & Legal Status | Border Integrity |
| Trade | Enforcement & Fee Collection | Economic Security |
| Employment | Hearings & Discipline | Organizational Ethics |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must be active members in good standing of a state bar and hold a law degree from an ABA-accredited institution. You must demonstrate U.S. citizenship and meet specific residency requirements. Because this is a high-security role, a thorough background investigation is mandatory.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range beginning at $74,678 (GS-11) and scaling up to $163,514 (GS-14). Promotion potential exists for high-performing attorneys who meet time-in-grade requirements.
Benefits
Beyond competitive pay, employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including:
- Federal health and retirement plans (TSP).
- Paid holidays and flexible leave.
- Recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- Tuition assistance and career development opportunities.
Application Tips
Focus your resume on relevant legal achievements. Use the PDF format to ensure your document renders correctly in the review portal, and keep your total submission under two pages. Ensure your writing sample highlights your best analytical and persuasive work.
This role is more than just a legal job—it is a commitment to the safety and prosperity of the United States. If you are ready to apply your legal expertise to the most critical border security issues, review the requirements carefully and submit your application package before the deadline.
Why This General Attorney - Recruitment Or Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized Job Matters
Join the front lines of justice with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a General Attorney, where your legal expertise secures the nation and shapes federal law enforcement policy.
General Attorney - Recruitment Or Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized Job Overview
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Chief Counsel is seeking motivated attorneys to join their legal team in either Artesia, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas. As one of the government's most storied legal offices, the OCC provides critical guidance across a vast portfolio, including immigration law, trade enforcement, search and seizure protocols, and government ethics. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide litigation support to the Department of Justice and represent the agency in complex administrative hearings, directly contributing to the security and integrity of the United States.
Requirements for General Attorney - Recruitment Or Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- Must meet residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years).
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation.
- Recent law school graduates must obtain bar admission within 14 months of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney - Recruitment Or Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized
- Rank in the top 1/3 of graduating law school class.
- Experience on a formal Law Review or Moot Court team.
- Strong litigation support and legal research background.
- Experience in labor and employment law or administrative hearings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
- ✓Relocation incentives or recruitment bonuses (up to 25% of pay) may be authorized.
- ✓Fitness center access.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney - Recruitment Or Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney - Recruitment Or Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized Job
- Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) containing full legal name, contact info, and detailed work history.
- Draft a cover letter of no more than two pages.
- Select a writing sample (max 5 pages).
- Obtain transcripts from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Email your complete application package to [email protected].
- Reference 'Vacancy CC/26-33' in the email subject line.
💡 General Tips
- Upload your resume as a PDF file rather than Word to preserve formatting.
- Ensure all contact information and historical dates (MM/DD/YY) are accurate.
- Verify that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit, as longer documents may be rejected.
- Double-check your email subject line to ensure proper routing of your application.
- Prepare for a potential writing exercise and formal interview if selected as a top candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this position?
The position starts at the GS-11 level but has a full performance level of GS-14, with potential to compete for GS-15 roles in the future.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, travel is required for training and legal support. El Paso-based attorneys should expect significant and sometimes unpredictable travel to the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia.
Are applications accepted via USAJobs?
No, you must submit your application directly via email to the address provided in the job announcement.
How often will I have to travel?
*A: Travel varies based on the duty station. El Paso-based attorneys may travel to Artesia regularly for training initiatives.*
Can I apply if I have not yet passed the bar?
*A: Recent graduates may be considered, provided they obtain bar admission within 14 months of appointment.*
Job from Customs And Border Protection
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves a vital mission: protecting American interests and securing our borders. As a primary component of DHS, the CBP is responsible for the integrity of U.S. borders, screening travelers, enforcing customs regulations, and preventing the illicit movement of goods and persons. The Office of Chief Counsel is one of the oldest and largest legal offices in the federal government, providing the essential legal framework that allows the agency to function effectively.