Become an Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor with ICE
Are you a distinguished legal professional seeking to make a lasting impact on national security and the integrity of the American immigration system? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are currently seeking an Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor (EDPLA) to join the Senior Executive Service (SES).
Job Responsibilities
As the EDPLA, you will serve as the senior career deputy to the Principal Legal Advisor. Your duties will be extensive and high-impact:
- Strategic Oversight: Manage OPLA’s nationwide legal program, covering three HQ directorates and nine regions across 140+ offices.
- Legal Counsel: Provide expert advice to the ICE Director, the DHS General Counsel, and other senior leadership.
- Litigation: Coordinate with the Department of Justice on criminal prosecutions and represent the agency in complex civil proceedings.
- Policy Development: Conceptualize and recommend legal strategies that solve novel, high-stakes problems with broad national implications.
Requirements
To be considered for this elite role, you must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited law school. |
| License | Active member in good standing of any state or territorial bar. |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain and hold a Top Secret clearance. |
| Experience | Expertise in immigration law and federal litigation. |
| Format | Resume must be exactly 2 pages (11pt font minimum). |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $151,661 to $228,000 per year. In addition to salary, employees enjoy the standard federal benefits package, including robust health insurance, retirement options, and potential relocation assistance.
Application Tips
This application process is highly specific. Ensure you do not include extraneous documents like cover letters or reference lists. Focus your two-page resume on demonstrating your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs). Because this is an SES position, demonstrating your leadership capability and your ability to drive organizational efficiency is paramount.
If you possess the legal expertise and the commitment to the American rule of law required to guide a major federal agency, we encourage you to apply. This position is a rare opportunity to serve at the highest level of the U.S. executive branch.
Why This Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job Matters
Shape the future of immigration law and national security as a senior leader within the Department of Homeland Security's ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job Overview
The Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor (EDPLA) serves as a critical career leader for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In this high-level role, you will assist the Principal Legal Advisor in steering the agency’s legal mission, representing the government in complex immigration proceedings, and providing essential counsel on national security and public safety. You will oversee a nationwide legal program with a broad scope, influencing policy, directing large-scale initiatives, and managing high-stakes litigation across the United States.
Requirements for Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited law school.
- Must be a member in good standing of the bar of any state, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must submit a resume limited to exactly two pages (minimum 11-point font).
- Must demonstrate expert knowledge of immigration law and litigation experience.
- Must pass a drug test.
- Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor
- Current status as an SES member or certification through an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP).
- Proven experience in federal litigation, particularly regarding national security and criminal prosecution.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and organizational resources.
- Exceptional legal writing and analytical skills for high-level policy development.
- Experience leading large-scale, nationwide legal programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Senior Executive Service (SES) salary range.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Relocation expense reimbursement (subject to agency discretion).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
💡 How to Apply Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure your resume highlights your experience with the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Upload required documentation, including your law degree/bar standing proof and current SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Respect the two-page limit strictly; resumes exceeding two pages will not be reviewed beyond the second page.
- Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder; create your own formatted document.
- Embed evidence of ECQs and TQs directly into your resume; do not create separate narrative documents.
- Double-check your bar membership and law degree documentation before submitting.
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment by month and year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No. While the agency may consider various duty stations, the preferred location is Washington, DC, and the role requires regular travel to that headquarters.
Can I include a cover letter with my application?
No. The vacancy specifically requests that you do not include cover letters, letters of recommendation, or additional narrative attachments.
What happens if my resume is more than two pages long?
Per the instructions, the HR department will only review the first two pages. Any information on page three or beyond will be ignored, which may disqualify you.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
ICE serves as the primary federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from cross-border crime and illegal immigration. With a global presence and an annual budget of $8 billion, ICE utilizes three main operational directorates—Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)—to uphold the law. Joining OPLA means becoming part of the legal backbone of this mission.