Advance Your Legal Career with the Department of Homeland Security
Are you a dedicated attorney looking to transition into a career where your work directly impacts national security and public safety? The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is currently accepting applications for General Attorney positions across the United States. This is a unique opportunity to join the largest legal program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney, you will immediately take on significant responsibilities. Your daily tasks will include:
- Representing the U.S. government in removal proceedings before immigration judges.
- Conducting in-depth legal research and preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Providing expert counsel on complex statutory, regulatory, and case authorities.
- Assessing litigation risk and supporting the Department of Justice in civil cases.
- Advocating for the agency’s position in appellate cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A J.D. or LLM degree from an accredited law school.
- Bar Membership: An active member in good standing of the bar of any state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- Suitability: Ability to pass a background investigation for a Secret-level security clearance.
- Drug Testing: Compliance with the drug-free workplace policy.
Salary and Benefits
This position is structured under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with promotion potential to the GS-14 level.
| Pay Level | Potential Range |
|---|---|
| GS-11 to GS-14 | $63,795 - $139,684 per year |
In addition to a competitive salary, employees enjoy the benefits of federal service, including potential student loan repayment options and a comprehensive healthcare and retirement package.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to two pages and clearly detail your work history with dates, job titles, and duties.
- Documentation: Have your certificate of good standing ready to upload.
- Clarity: Tailor your experience to highlight advocacy and complex research abilities.
If you are ready to serve your country while expanding your legal expertise, apply for this ICE General Attorney position. With nationwide locations and significant room for career growth, this is a career-defining opportunity for any committed legal professional.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Launch a high-impact legal career with the Department of Homeland Security’s largest legal team, playing a vital role in national security and immigration law.
General Attorney Job Overview
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking talented attorneys for multiple nationwide locations. As an OPLA General Attorney, you will represent the U.S. government in removal proceedings, provide critical legal counsel on law enforcement authorities, and manage complex litigation. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of national security, safeguarding the nation while ensuring the fair administration of immigration and customs laws.
Requirements for General Attorney
- Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LLM degree.
- Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- Subject to pre-employment drug testing.
- Must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of 02/15/2027.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Strong proficiency in legal research and writing.
- Demonstrated ability to handle complex and novel legal issues.
- Experience in immigration or administrative law.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a high-functioning legal team.
- Superior oral advocacy skills for courtroom litigation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment incentives
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and promotion up to GS-14
- ✓Telework eligibility where applicable
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that includes specific job details, duties, employer contact information, and dates of service.
- Gather supporting documentation, including your proof of active bar membership.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application and all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on February 15, 2027.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
- Double-check that your bar membership documentation is current.
- Clearly outline your specific legal experience and duties for each previous position.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD214 (Member 4 copy) or other qualifying documentation.
- Tailor your application to demonstrate how your advocacy skills align with the OPLA mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this position?
This position has a promotion potential up to the GS-14 level, though future promotions are dependent on performance, administrative approval, and agency need.
Are there specific requirements for the resume?
Yes, your resume must include the announcement number, education, training, and detailed work history. USAJOBS strictly enforces a two-page limit for this application.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a remote position, though telework may be eligible depending on the specific duties and office policy.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
OPLA is the primary legal engine behind ICE, employing over 2,700 attorneys who provide essential legal services across the nation. From removal proceedings to administrative law, OPLA attorneys represent the agency in complex litigation and provide critical counsel to ICE leadership and law enforcement personnel. Joining OPLA means becoming part of a diverse and highly professional team dedicated to defending the nation’s immigration laws with integrity and expertise.