Advance Your Legal Career: General Attorney (SAUSA) at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Are you an experienced litigator looking to serve the public interest? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently seeking a motivated General Attorney for its Office of Chief Counsel in Tucson, Arizona. This position offers a unique opportunity to work as a Special U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) and make a significant impact on national security and public integrity.
Job Responsibilities
As a SAUSA, you will be embedded with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. Your primary duties will include:
- Supporting the Department of Justice in civil and criminal litigation.
- Handling investigations related to fraud, public corruption, and civil rights.
- Representing the United States in hearings, trials, and appeals.
- Providing legal guidance on use-of-force incidents and internal agency operations.
- Developing training programs for investigators and field personnel.
Qualifications
You must be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school and hold an active bar license. Candidates should have at least two years of specialized legal experience.
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | ABA Accredited Law Degree |
| Experience | 2+ Years Specialized Litigation |
| Citizenship | Required (U.S. Only) |
| Residency | 3 of the last 5 years in the U.S. |
Salary and Benefits
This position is graded at the GS-13/14 level, offering a salary range of $108,455 to $166,615 annually. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including robust health insurance, a competitive retirement plan (TSP), and generous paid leave.
This is a challenging role for a seasoned attorney ready to apply their skills in a high-stakes federal environment. If you are passionate about public service and possess the litigation background required, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application by the September 18, 2026 deadline.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Shape the future of justice at the border. We are seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as a Special U.S. Attorney, tackling public integrity and complex litigation in Tucson.
General Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Chief Counsel in Tucson, Arizona, is looking for a skilled General Attorney to serve in a Special U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) capacity. This critical role focuses on litigating high-stakes matters including public integrity, fraud, corruption, and civil rights cases. This is a temporary position not to exceed two years, with the potential for a two-year extension, offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced litigator to make a tangible impact on federal law enforcement operations.
Requirements for General Attorney
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess a law degree (J.D. or equivalent) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of two years of specialized professional legal experience.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must meet U.S. residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years).
- Must be eligible for a thorough background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Prior felony trial experience.
- Demonstrated ability to manage cases from initial investigation through trial.
- Proven expertise in federal civil or criminal litigation.
- Experience in cases involving public corruption, procurement fraud, or internal investigations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary (GS-13 to GS-14 scale).
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Prepare a cover letter (maximum two pages).
- Compile a detailed resume (maximum two pages) including job-related qualifications, series, grade, salary, and hours worked.
- Gather official or unofficial law school transcripts.
- Include a writing sample (maximum five pages).
- Provide a copy of your SF-50 if applicable to show time-in-grade.
- Submit all materials via email to the address provided in the official announcement.
💡 General Tips
- Upload your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages; applications exceeding this limit will not be accepted.
- Carefully check your email subject line to ensure it contains the required vacancy announcement number.
- Highlight your specific litigation experience in your cover letter and resume.
- Verify your residency status early if you have spent significant time living abroad in the last five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent federal position?
No, this is a temporary appointment not to exceed two years, with the possibility of being extended for an additional two years.
Can I submit my application through the USAJOBS portal?
No. All application materials must be sent directly to the email address specified in the vacancy announcement.
Is relocation funding provided?
Relocation expenses may be available under a lump-sum test program, subject to eligibility and specific agency requirements.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are tasked with one of the most critical missions in the nation: securing the border. From preventing terrorism to enforcing trade regulations, CBP is a multifaceted organization. As part of the Office of Chief Counsel, you will work within a specialized team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, service, and vigilance.