Advance Your Career as a General Attorney at the District Court Litigation Division
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is currently seeking experienced and motivated attorneys to join the District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of federal litigation and contribute to the national security mission of the Department of Homeland Security.
Job Responsibilities
Selected Counsel will be responsible for a wide range of legal functions, including:
- Managing civil litigation against ICE and its personnel.
- Developing legal arguments, strategies, and motions for federal court cases.
- Conducting discovery, settlement negotiations, and representing the agency in trials and appeals.
- Adjudicating administrative tort claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
- Drafting legal opinions and commenting on legislative proposals.
Comparison: DCLD Attorney Responsibilities vs. Standard Firm Practice
| Feature | DCLD Attorney | Private Law Firm |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Federal Agency | Private Clients |
| Mission Focus | National Security | Revenue/Profit |
| Litigation Type | Federal Civil/Tort | Diverse Commercial |
| Court Environment | Federal Courts | Varied Jurisdictions |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must:
- Hold a J.D. or LLM degree from an accredited law school.
- Maintain active bar membership in good standing.
- Pass a rigorous security clearance and background investigation.
- Undergo pre-employment drug testing.
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position ranges from $85,447 to $197,200 annually, commensurate with qualifications and the General Schedule (GS) pay scale.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
- Student loan repayment opportunities (subject to agreement).
- Professional development and training.
- The pride of serving the public and protecting national security.
Application Tips
Ensure your application is complete by the September 18, 2026, deadline. Use your cover letter to explicitly link your litigation experience to the specific demands of DCLD. Ensure all contact information is accurate to receive timely updates.
If you are a dedicated legal professional looking for a fast-paced environment where your work has immediate, real-world impact, this position with the OPLA is an excellent path for your career. Apply today to help uphold the law and protect American interests.
Why This General Attorney (District Court Litigation Division) Job Matters
Join the elite litigation team at the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) and play a pivotal role in protecting national security at the forefront of immigration law.
General Attorney (District Court Litigation Division) Job Overview
The District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking a skilled General Attorney to join their fast-paced legal team in Washington, D.C. As a key representative of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will manage complex civil litigation, administrative tort claims, and high-stakes legal challenges. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work on diverse legal matters alongside the Department of Justice and senior agency leadership, providing essential guidance on matters that directly impact the agency's mission.
Requirements for General Attorney (District Court Litigation Division)
- Must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LLM degree from an accredited law school.
- Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, U.S. territory, D.C., or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Submission of a comprehensive resume and cover letter by the closing date.
- Successfully pass pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to successfully undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (District Court Litigation Division)
- Experience managing federal civil litigation, including motion practice and discovery.
- Proven ability to provide timely and accurate legal analysis on complex, novel legal issues.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for advising senior leadership.
- Demonstrated capability in working effectively within a high-pressure, team-oriented legal office.
- Experience with administrative tort claims or Federal Tort Claims Act matters.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary range (GS-11 to GS-15 potential).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and upward mobility.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health, life, and retirement programs.
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment incentives.
- ✓Meaningful work dedicated to national security and public safety.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney (District Court Litigation Division) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney (District Court Litigation Division) Job
- Prepare your resume, cover letter, and proof of active bar membership.
- Access the official USAJOBS platform and log in to your account.
- Complete the mandatory Occupational Questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application and all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2026.
- Confirm the submission of your application through the 'Application Status' portal.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your cover letter specifically addresses the knowledge, skills, and abilities mentioned in the job duties.
- Double-check your resume to ensure it includes detailed dates of employment and contact info for past employers.
- Submit your documentation early to avoid last-minute technical delays on the closing date.
- If you qualify for Veterans' Preference, ensure the proper documentation (like your DD-214) is included.
- Proofread all documents carefully for accuracy and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an attorney in the DCLD?
Attorneys in the DCLD serve as agency counsel, managing federal civil litigation involving ICE, adjudicating administrative tort claims, and providing expert legal advice to ICE leadership and other federal partners.
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, all selectees must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance, which involves a comprehensive background investigation.
Can I receive student loan assistance?
A student loan repayment incentive may be available depending on authorization and a required service agreement.
How often is the position open?
*A: The vacancy announcement is open until September 18, 2026. Please check the USAJOBS portal for the latest status updates.*
Is telework available?
*A: This position currently does not offer telework eligibility.*
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is dedicated to securing our nation against diverse threats, including terrorism and cross-border crime. As the investigative arm of the DHS, ICE plays a critical role in enforcing immigration laws and ensuring public safety. Attorneys at OPLA serve as the backbone of the agency's legal operations, ensuring that ICE acts within the rule of law while fulfilling its essential mission.