Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor: A Strategic Leadership Opportunity at ICE
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is offering a rare opportunity for a high-caliber legal executive to join the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). As the Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor (EDPLA), you will play a foundational role in shaping national security policy and ensuring the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
Job Responsibilities
In this senior role, you will be the primary career deputy to the Principal Legal Advisor. Key duties include:
- Serving as a senior advisor on critical agency operations.
- Directing complex litigation and representing the U.S. in federal courts.
- Providing legal counsel to senior leadership regarding immigration and criminal laws.
- Managing large-scale human capital and budgetary resources.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a professional law degree and active Bar membership. Given the SES status, you must also demonstrate executive competency in five core areas: Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen, and Building Coalitions.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Clearance | Top Secret/SCI |
| Education | Professional Law Degree (JD/LLB) |
| Experience | Senior Executive Leadership |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $151,661 to $228,000 per year, commensurate with experience and executive certification. Benefits include federal health coverage, retirement programs, and potential relocation incentives.
Application Tips
Your 2-page resume is your most important asset. Focus on results and ensure your accomplishments clearly map to the TQs and ECQs required for SES consideration. Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder; upload a custom document to maintain control over your formatting.
This role is ideal for a seasoned attorney who wants to impact the future of the nation's legal landscape. If you possess the experience and drive required, start your application process today.
Why This Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job Matters
Shape the future of immigration law and national security as a key executive leader within the Department of Homeland Security.
Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job Overview
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking an Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor. This high-level Senior Executive Service (SES) role provides critical leadership, legal counsel, and strategic direction to support ICE’s national security and public safety mission. You will serve as the senior career deputy to the Principal Legal Advisor, managing complex litigation, advising senior department leadership, and ensuring the integrity of the nation's immigration enforcement programs.
Requirements for Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor
- Possess a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited law school.
- Be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
- Submit a resume not to exceed 2 pages, formatted with specific margin and font size requirements.
- Demonstrate eligibility for the Senior Executive Service (SES), or provide proof of QRB certification/noncompetitive status.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Must be able to pass a drug test and complete a comprehensive background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor
- Expert knowledge of immigration law, procedures, and relevant federal litigation.
- Proven experience in national security and complex criminal prosecution.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong track record of executive-level management of legal and logistical agency operations.
- Superior legal writing skills with the ability to provide clear analysis for senior stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and executive leadership training.
- ✓Potential for recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives based on management discretion.
💡 How to Apply Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job
- Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages, highlighting the required ECQs and TQs.
- Gather supporting documentation, including Bar membership proof, law degree transcripts, and relevant SF-50s.
- Click the apply button to begin the online application process.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of August 10, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the 2-page resume limit; content beyond the second page will not be reviewed.
- Use 1-inch top/bottom margins and 0.5-inch side margins with at least an 11-point font.
- Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder; upload a custom document to ensure formatting compliance.
- Clearly link your past experience to the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the specific Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Ensure all uploaded documents clear the virus scan process well before the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must not exceed 2 pages. Any content on page 3 or beyond will not be considered.
Do I need to write a separate narrative for the Executive Core Qualifications?
No, you are not required to provide a separate narrative. All evidence of your ECQs and TQs must be demonstrated within your 2-page resume.
What security clearance is required for this role?
This position requires a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
ICE is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. With a mission to protect the United States through the enforcement of border and immigration laws, the agency manages a vast portfolio of national security and public safety initiatives. The OPLA, where this position resides, serves as the legal backbone of the agency, providing vital counsel, litigation support, and regulatory guidance.