Launch Your Federal Legal Career: General Attorney at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating legal environments in the world. For attorneys seeking to apply their expertise to matters of national importance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Chief Counsel represents the pinnacle of public service legal practice. We are currently highlighting an opening for a General Attorney in Glynco, Georgia, a role that combines high-level legal advisory with the daily operational challenges of securing our nation's borders.
Job Responsibilities
Attorneys in the OCC handle a broad spectrum of legal duties that make no two days identical. Key responsibilities include:
- Legal Training: Developing and delivering instruction on constitutional law, criminal procedure, and use of force to CBP agents and officers.
- Regulatory Counsel: Providing guidance on admissibility, trade enforcement, and search-and-seizure protocols at ports of entry.
- Administrative Litigation: Representing the agency in hearings regarding employee discipline, discrimination, and labor relations before bodies like the EEOC or Merit Systems Protection Board.
- Federal Court Support: Assisting the Department of Justice in civil and criminal litigation, including FOIA requests, asset forfeiture, and immigration proceedings.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-responsibility role, candidates must meet strict eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
- Licensure: Active member in good standing of a U.S. bar association.
- Residency: Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
- Integrity: Successful completion of a background investigation regarding criminal history and substance use.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers competitive federal compensation with significant growth potential.
| Pay Grade | Salary Range | Potential |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | $74,678 | Base |
| GS-14 | $163,514 | Full Performance |
Beyond base salary, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive insurance (Health, Dental, Vision, Life).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday schedules.
- Opportunities for flexible work arrangements and tuition assistance.
Application Tips
Standing out in a federal applicant pool requires precision. Ensure your application includes a clear, professional resume and a concise, well-written cover letter. Use PDF formatting for all uploads to avoid conversion errors. Emphasize any experience in federal law, administrative hearings, or high-level legal research, and ensure your writing sample demonstrates the clarity and analytical depth required for complex border-related litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work remotely?
Currently, this position is based in Glynco, GA, and requires physical presence and potential travel for training and litigation support.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, you may be required to serve a two-year trial or probationary period.
How do I submit my application?
Applications are handled exclusively via email at [email protected]. No USAJobs portal submissions are accepted for this specific vacancy.
Serving as a General Attorney for the Office of Chief Counsel is a path to substantial professional development and service to the country. If you possess the legal acumen, integrity, and desire to contribute to the security of the United States, we encourage you to submit your application by the August 20, 2026 deadline.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Protect the Nation's borders through the power of law—join the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Chief Counsel in Glynco, Georgia.
General Attorney Job Overview
The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking a dedicated General Attorney to join its legal team in Glynco, Georgia. As one of the largest and most established legal offices in the federal government, the OCC plays a vital role in national security by providing expert legal advice on trade enforcement, search and seizure protocols, immigration law, and government ethics. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to handle high-stakes legal issues that directly impact border integrity and federal operations.
Requirements for General Attorney
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Graduation from an ABA-accredited School of Law.
- Active, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- Must meet residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years).
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
- Ability to pass a thorough background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Top 1/3 class ranking for recent graduates.
- Experience on a formal Law Review.
- Proven excellence in moot court competitions.
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal research and writing.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
- ✓Transportation subsidies and potential uniform allowance.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 2 pages).
- Compile official or unofficial law school transcripts.
- Draft a legal writing sample (max 5 pages).
- Email all application materials to [email protected].
- Reference the subject line: Enforcement - Vacancy CC/26-40 in your email.
💡 General Tips
- Upload your resume as a PDF file rather than a Word document to preserve formatting.
- Ensure your resume includes your full legal name, the announcement number, and detailed dates of previous employment.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume and cover letter, as longer documents may be disqualified.
- Double-check your email subject line to ensure proper routing of your application.
- Submit your materials well before the August 20, 2026, deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the career progression for a General Attorney at CBP?
The position begins with a promotion potential up to GS-14. Upon meeting performance standards and time-in-grade requirements, attorneys may eventually compete for senior or supervisory roles at the GS-15 level.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
While it is not explicitly listed as a 'required' clearance for the initial application, all applicants must undergo a rigorous background investigation as a standard component of employment with the Department of Homeland Security.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the frontline agency responsible for securing the borders of the United States. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security, CBP protects American interests by enforcing hundreds of federal regulations, including trade enforcement, immigration laws, and narcotics interdiction. The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) acts as the agency's primary legal advisor, ensuring that operations at ports of entry and border regions remain compliant with both domestic and international law.