Launch Your Federal Legal Career: General Attorney with U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Are you a motivated legal professional seeking a role that balances intellectual rigor with public service? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is inviting applications for the position of General Attorney. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Office of Chief Counsel, an entity responsible for some of the most critical legal challenges facing the United States today. Whether you are an early-career attorney or an experienced litigator, this role offers a diverse portfolio of work and the chance to contribute to the nation’s security.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Attorney, your day-to-day will be anything but routine. You will provide critical legal advice and representation across a broad spectrum of areas:

Ethics and Labor: Representing CBP in hearings before the EEOC, MSPB, and other administrative bodies.
Litigation Support: Assisting the Department of Justice in civil and criminal actions involving FOIA, asset forfeiture, and immigration matters.
Policy and Training: Developing legal training materials for agency employees on topics like search and seizure, ethics, and whistleblower protections.
Operational Guidance: Offering on-the-spot legal counsel to port officials regarding trade enforcement and admissibility of goods and individuals.

Work Portfolio Comparison

Area of Law	Primary Focus	Representative Task
Labor/Employment	Administrative Hearings	Representing agency in discipline/EEO cases
Civil Litigation	DOJ Support	Preparing pleadings and litigation reports
Trade/Customs	Enforcement	Advising on duty collection and forced labor laws

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate:

Educational Qualifications: A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited school.
Bar Status: Current, active membership in good standing in any state or D.C. bar.
Citizenship and Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen and meet specific residency requirements (3 of the last 5 years in the U.S.).
Background Check: Success in a comprehensive federal background investigation.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and classification, ranging from the GS-11 to GS-14 levels. As of current federal pay scales, this translates to an annual range of $81,415 to $178,265, depending on grade, step, and locality adjustments.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the legal industry, including:

Full federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
A robust retirement system including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid federal holidays and accrued personal leave.
Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous professional development.

Application Tips

Resume Formatting: Keep your resume strictly under two pages. USAJOBS systems are strict regarding length.
Writing Sample: Select a piece that demonstrates clear, analytical writing. Do not exceed five pages.
Attention to Detail: The email-based application process requires precise subject line formatting. Check the vacancy announcement carefully before hitting send.

Serving as a General Attorney for U.S. Customs and Border Protection is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the rule of law and the protection of our borders. If you meet the qualifications and are prepared to bring your best legal skills to a mission-critical agency, we encourage you to prepare your application package and apply before the November deadline.

Why This General Attorney Job Matters

Shape the future of national security law as a General Attorney with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Join a premier legal team where your counsel directly impacts the protection and integrity of our nation's borders.

General Attorney Job Overview

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking skilled legal professionals to serve as General Attorneys within the Office of Chief Counsel. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-stakes legal work, from trade enforcement and immigration law to labor and employment litigation. You will work in a fast-paced, intellectually demanding environment supporting one of the nation's most vital law enforcement agencies. These positions are located in Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis, MN, and provide a clear trajectory for professional growth within the federal legal sector.

Requirements for General Attorney

U.S. Citizenship
Active membership in good standing of the bar of any state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico
Graduate of an ABA-accredited law school or equivalent
Registration with Selective Service (if male born after 12/31/1959)
Three years of residency in the U.S. or its protectorates out of the last five years
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation
Compliance with federal drug-free workplace policies

Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney

Top one-third class rank for recent graduates
Significant experience on law reviews or journals
Moot court competition, board, or team success
Extensive experience in legal aid or clinical programs
Demonstrated superior legal accomplishment through clerkships or externships

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Flexible Spending Accounts
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave
✓Tuition reimbursement programs
✓Flexible work schedules
✓Employee wellness programs and fitness center access

💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Attorney Job

Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) including specific details on legal experience, salary history, and contact info.
Draft a cover letter (max 2 pages) expressing interest.
Compile official law school transcripts.
Prepare a legal writing sample (max 5 pages).
Include an SF-50 if currently or previously employed by the federal government.
Email the complete package to the Office of Chief Counsel email address listed in the announcement.
Ensure the subject line references the specific vacancy and location.

💡 General Tips

Submit your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and quality.
Double-check that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit.
Ensure your writing sample reflects your best analytical work.
Clearly highlight your relevant work history with dates and hours per week.
Proofread your application to ensure all required documentation is attached before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not yet admitted to the bar?

Recent graduates may be appointed as Law Clerks at the GS-11 level but must be admitted to the bar within 14 months of their appointment.

What is the promotion potential for this position?

The full performance level for this General Attorney position is GS-14. Promotions are subject to time-in-grade requirements and performance ratings.

Is telework available for this role?

*A: The current announcement does not list telework as a default; however, some flexible work arrangements may be discussed upon selection depending on agency policy.*

Is there an interview?

*A: Yes, highly qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview, which may include a writing assessment.*

Job from Customs And Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the primary organization tasked with securing the nation’s borders. From enforcing immigration laws to facilitating legal trade and travel, CBP’s mission is vital to national stability. Attorneys within the Office of Chief Counsel serve as the backbone of the agency's legal integrity, providing guidance that ensures all operations comply with complex federal statutes and international agreements. Joining CBP means joining a workforce that values vigilance, service, and integrity above all else.