Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
If you are a legal professional with a passion for public service, the Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers a unique and prestigious career path. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, this General Attorney position is a vital role that supports the national security mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney with the CBP, your daily responsibilities will be diverse and challenging. You will serve as the primary legal advisor and representative for the agency at ports of entry. Specific duties include:
- Legal Representation: Serving as agency counsel in civil and criminal matters, including asset forfeiture and immigration proceedings.
- Administrative Advocacy: Representing the agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board, the EEOC, and other federal labor bodies.
- Policy Guidance: Providing advice on customs, admissibility, forced labor enforcement, and search and seizure protocols.
- Training: Developing and delivering legal training programs for CBP managers and staff on ethics, the Hatch Act, and investigative procedures.
Comparison of Career Levels
| Position Level | Key Requirement | Typical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Law Clerk (GS-11) | Recent graduate / Pending bar status | Foundational legal research and support |
| General Attorney (GS-12/13) | Licensed attorney with experience | Independent litigation and advisory work |
| Senior Attorney (GS-14) | Full performance level | Complex cases and policy leadership |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet stringent federal criteria. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a law degree from an ABA-accredited school, and be active members of the bar. Furthermore, all applicants must satisfy a three-out-of-five-year residency requirement and successfully clear a comprehensive federal background check.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive federal salary scale ranging from GS-11 ($74,678) to GS-14 ($163,514) depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement Planning: The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions similarly to a private 401(k).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, flexible work schedules, and federal holidays.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing training opportunities to enhance your legal practice.
Application Tips
Applying for federal legal positions requires precision. The OCC emphasizes that you must follow the submission instructions exactly. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and focuses on your relevant legal experience. Always use a PDF format to preserve formatting, and confirm that your email subject line contains the correct vacancy reference number.
A career with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a General Attorney is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the integrity and security of the United States. With excellent benefits, a collaborative work environment, and the opportunity to engage with national-level legal issues, it is an ideal next step for the dedicated legal professional.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Shape the future of national security law: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is seeking a dedicated General Attorney to join their Office of Chief Counsel in New Orleans, providing critical legal oversight for one of the nation's most dynamic law enforcement agencies.
General Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Chief Counsel is looking for a qualified General Attorney to work in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a member of one of the largest and longest-standing legal offices in the federal government, the successful candidate will handle high-stakes legal issues ranging from trade enforcement and immigration to government ethics and litigation support. This role offers the chance to apply your legal expertise to support the vital mission of securing our borders and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
Requirements for General Attorney
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Must be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school or equivalent.
- Must be an active member in good standing of a state, territory, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico bar.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must meet residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years).
- Ability to pass a thorough federal background investigation.
- Compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Superior law student performance for GS-11 candidates (e.g., top one-third class rank).
- Significant experience on law reviews, journals, or moot court teams.
- Extensive prior experience in legal aid, summer internships, or DHS/OCC externships.
- Proven litigation support experience including motion drafting, discovery, and witness interviews.
- Demonstrated expertise in administrative law, labor/employment disputes, or customs regulations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
- ✓Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave accrual.
- ✓Support for professional development, training, and tuition assistance.
- ✓Access to wellness programs and fitness centers.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Prepare a detailed, two-page resume in English including all required series and grade information.
- Draft a professional cover letter (maximum two pages).
- Prepare a legal writing sample (maximum five pages).
- Obtain official or unofficial law school transcripts.
- Submit all materials via email to the address provided in the job announcement by the closing date.
- Ensure the email subject line references: Vacancy CC/27-02 New Orleans, Louisiana.
💡 General Tips
- Upload your resume as a PDF rather than a Word document to maintain formatting and document quality.
- Check your resume for the two-page limit; applications exceeding this length will be rejected by the system.
- Ensure your resume contains your full legal name, phone number, and a detailed breakdown of your work history including dates and hours worked.
- Double-check your email subject line to ensure it matches the specific vacancy requirement; incorrect subject lines may result in your application being overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply by mail or fax?
No. Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Submissions sent via mail or fax will not be considered.
What if I am a recent law graduate without bar admission?
Recent graduates may be appointed as Law Clerks at the GS-11 level, provided they meet specific academic criteria. You must obtain bar admission within 14 months to be converted to a General Attorney.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation expenses may be available as a lump-sum payment under the Voluntary Relocation Plan for eligible candidates, though new appointees to the government are generally ineligible.
What is the primary focus of this office?
The OCC in New Orleans handles a broad array of duties, including trade enforcement, search and seizure, immigration, and labor disputes.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is based in New Orleans and requires physical presence for duties and mandatory training.
How does the agency view veteran's preference?
While there is no formal rating system for attorney positions, the OCC considers veteran's status as a positive factor during the selection process.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for some of the most critical missions in the United States, including border security, counter-terrorism, and immigration enforcement. The Office of Chief Counsel is one of the government’s oldest and most respected legal branches. Attorneys within the OCC provide counsel on complex, cutting-edge legal issues that influence national policy and international trade.