Launch Your Legal Career with the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)

Are you a legal professional looking to make a tangible difference in national security? The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently hiring General Attorneys. This is a rare opportunity to join the largest legal program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Job Responsibilities

As a General Attorney, your day-to-day will be dynamic. You won't just be sitting behind a desk; you will be on the front lines of immigration litigation. Key responsibilities include:

Litigation: Representing the United States in removal proceedings before immigration judges.
Legal Counsel: Providing expert guidance on immigration, customs, and administrative law to ICE personnel.
Appellate Advocacy: Preparing briefs and pleadings for the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Strategy: Crafting legally supportable policies to help operational components meet agency goals.

Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet several criteria:

Education: A J.D. or LLM degree from an accredited law school.
Bar Standing: Active membership in good standing in any state or U.S. territory bar.
Clearance: Ability to pass a background check and obtain a Secret security clearance.
Integrity: Applicants must demonstrate high ethical standards and sound legal judgment.

Salary and Comparison

Salaries for this role are competitive and follow the federal General Schedule (GS) system. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of career progression.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$63,795 - $139,684 (Annual)
Promotion Potential	Up to GS-14
Clearance	Secret level
Location	Multiple Nationwide

Benefits of Working for DHS

Federal employees with DHS enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both professional and personal well-being. This includes:

Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan (with agency matching).
Health: Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Work-Life Balance: Generous leave policies, including paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
Incentives: Potential for student loan repayment programs for qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position can be competitive. Ensure your application stands out by following these tips:

Be Thorough: Federal HR departments look for specific details. Include the full name and phone number of your previous supervisors.
Highlight Skills: Focus on your litigation experience, as this is central to the role.
Follow Format: Ensure your resume clearly states the vacancy number and your employment dates in MM/YY format.

If you are ready to combine your legal expertise with a career in public service, the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor is the right place for you. With the ability to practice in multiple locations across the country, this role offers both flexibility and the opportunity to safeguard our nation's laws. Apply today and start your journey with DHS.

Why This General Attorney Job Matters

Launch a high-impact legal career with the largest legal program in the Department of Homeland Security and defend the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.

General Attorney Job Overview

The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking dedicated General Attorneys to join their team. This role offers the opportunity to provide expert legal counsel, represent the government in complex removal proceedings, and support critical agency missions. With over 2,700 attorneys, OPLA serves as the primary legal branch of ICE, handling matters ranging from administrative law and ethics to high-stakes litigation. Positions are available in numerous locations nationwide, offering a challenging environment for those passionate about public service and national security.

Requirements for General Attorney

Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LLM degree.
Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, U.S. territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
U.S. citizenship is required for federal employment.
Must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of February 5, 2027.

Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney

Superior written and oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and analysis on complex, novel issues.
Experience in litigation, including preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing assignments.
Experience in administrative law, employment law, or immigration law.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employee health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Potential for student loan repayment incentives.
✓Flexible work environments and opportunities for professional development.

💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Attorney Job

Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare your resume including specific details: announcement number, education, work experience with addresses/phone numbers, and dates of employment.
Upload your Bar Membership documentation and any other required forms (e.g., SF-50 for current/former federal employees).
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on February 5, 2027.
Monitor your status via the application portal.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to highlight your specific litigation and legal advisory experience.
Ensure your resume explicitly includes the vacancy announcement number: OPLA-LO-13030620-JP.
Double-check that all contact information for past employers is accurate and complete.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues near the deadline.
Clearly label your supporting documents to ensure they are easily identifiable by HR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is not listed as remote. It requires reporting to one of the designated locations nationwide.

What level of security clearance is required?

Selected candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to the public.

How often is this position updated?

*A: This is an open continuous announcement, meaning the agency reviews applicants on an as-needed basis through February 5, 2027.*

Does ICE offer veterans' preference?

*A: While there is no formal point-based rating system for Excepted Service attorney positions, OPLA views veteran status as a positive factor in the hiring process.*

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

ICE is the second-largest investigative agency in the federal government. Its mission is critical: to protect the United States from cross-border crime and illegal immigration. OPLA serves as the heartbeat of this mission, providing the legal foundation for every operation ICE undertakes. With over 2,700 attorneys across 143 offices, the agency offers a professional environment that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply meaningful.