Become a General Attorney with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Are you a dedicated legal professional ready to tackle some of the most significant legal challenges facing the United States today? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently seeking qualified candidates for a General Attorney position with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Chief Counsel, located in the scenic and historic setting of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney, your work will be diverse and intellectually stimulating. You will be tasked with:
- Providing expert legal counsel regarding activities at ports of entry and border operations.
- Performing deep legal research on customs and admissibility issues, including forced labor enforcement and electronic device searches.
- Representing the agency in administrative hearings before the EEOC, Merit Systems Protection Board, and other labor-related forums.
- Supporting the Department of Justice in federal litigation by preparing pleadings, affidavits, and participating in eDiscovery.
- Developing training materials for CBP managers on ethics, investigations, and legal standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Completion of a law degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Licensure: You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- Residency: Verification of U.S. residency for three of the last five years.
- Background Check: You must be willing to undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug testing.
Grade Level Comparison Table
| Level | Experience/Qualification Requirement | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry level (Recent Grads/Less than 1 year experience) | $85,447+ |
| GS-12 to 14 | Mid-to-Senior level based on experience and performance | Up to $187,093 |
Salary and Benefits
Compensation for this role is highly competitive, starting at $85,447 and scaling up to $187,093 for GS-14 level work. Beyond salary, federal employees enjoy an extensive benefits package designed for long-term security, including health/dental/vision coverage, a Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal legal position is a detailed process. Ensure your application includes a two-page resume, a professional cover letter, and a writing sample of no more than five pages. Using a PDF format is highly recommended to preserve your formatting, and always double-check that your resume explicitly mentions your license status and relevant legal experience.
Serving as a General Attorney for the Office of Chief Counsel is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the core values of vigilance, service, and integrity. If you are prepared to leverage your legal skills to protect our country, we encourage you to submit your application by December 9, 2026.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Protect national security from the front lines: Join the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Chief Counsel as a General Attorney in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
General Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking highly motivated and qualified legal professionals to join the Office of Chief Counsel. As a General Attorney, you will play a vital role in upholding the agency's core mission by providing critical legal guidance and representation on complex issues, including trade enforcement, immigration law, national security, and government ethics. This position offers the opportunity to practice in a fast-paced, intellectually demanding environment that directly supports the security and integrity of our nation's borders.
Requirements for General Attorney
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with a state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory bar.
- Primary residency in the U.S. or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Successful completion of a rigorous background investigation.
- Compliance with federal drug-free workplace policies.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Top 1/3 of graduating law school class.
- Participation on an official Law Review publication.
- Proven success in moot court competitions or membership on a competitive moot court team.
- Relevant experience in federal legal environments or administrative law.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave
- ✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- ✓Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities
- ✓Wellness programs and fitness center access
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Prepare a cover letter (maximum two pages).
- Create a resume (maximum two pages) detailing all relevant work history, education, and credentials in English.
- Obtain official or unofficial law school transcripts.
- Draft a professional writing sample (maximum five pages).
- Submit all documents via email to the address specified in the official announcement by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Convert your resume to a PDF document to maintain formatting and document quality.
- Ensure your resume includes your full legal name, the announcement number, and clear dates/hours for past positions.
- Do not password-protect your files; the application system cannot process encrypted documents.
- Proofread your writing sample thoroughly as it will be used to judge your technical communication skills.
- Submit your application well in advance of the December 9, 2026, deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full performance level for this position?
The position is graded from GS-11 to GS-14. The full performance level is GS-14.
Are there residency requirements?
Yes, applicants must have physically resided in the U.S. or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years unless they qualify for a specific waiver.
How do I apply for this position?
All applications must be submitted via email to the designated address listed in the job announcement. Faxed or mailed applications will not be accepted.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation funding may be offered as a lump-sum payment under the VRP program if available, but this is not guaranteed for new appointees.
Can I submit my application via USAJobs?
No, all applications must be sent directly to the email address provided in the vacancy announcement.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the nation’s primary agency for securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade and travel, and enforcing hundreds of federal regulations. The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) stands at the center of these efforts, acting as one of the oldest and most extensive legal offices within the federal government. Working here means you will be involved in high-stakes legal work that directly impacts national security, trade enforcement, and the administration of immigration law.