Become a Regional Counsel for ICE OPLA: A Premier Executive Opportunity

The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently hiring for a high-level Regional Counsel for the Metro Region. This is a marquee role within the Senior Executive Service (SES), ideal for accomplished legal professionals with a deep commitment to national security and administrative excellence. If you are an experienced litigator or legal administrator looking to shape the future of immigration enforcement and policy, this position offers the platform to make a significant national impact.

Job Responsibilities

As the Regional Counsel for the Metro Region, you will step into a pivotal leadership role. Your responsibilities include:

Leadership: Directing the daily operations of over 400 staff members, including attorneys and administrative personnel.
Strategic Planning: Implementing and coordinating agency-wide legal programs that span immigration trial practice, criminal law, cybercrimes, and human rights issues.
Advisory Role: Serving as the lead legal advisor to the HSI Special Agent in Charge and ERO Field Office Director within your region.
Litigation Management: Overseeing case theory development, witness preparation, and high-level oral arguments.

Requirements

This position requires an elite candidate. Candidates must be a member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction and possess a J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited school. Because this is an SES role, your application must demonstrate executive competency. The most crucial administrative requirement is the two-page resume limit. Your resume must demonstrate how you meet the following Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs):

Qualification Type	Key Focus Area
TQ 1	Expert immigration law and litigation background
TQ 2	Management of legal/logistical operations
ECQ 2	Driving efficiency and managing budgets
ECQ 4	Leading people and building culture

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary consistent with the Senior Executive Service pay scale, ranging from $151,661 to $228,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a full suite of federal benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Federal retirement contributions (FERS)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
Substantial paid annual and sick leave
Mobile work flexibility in accordance with agency policy

Application Tips

Respect the Constraints: The two-page limit is non-negotiable. Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder, as it often results in lengthy, disorganized documents.
Quality over Quantity: Do not attach supplemental certificates, commendations, or cover letters unless specifically requested.
Tailor to the ECQs: Every bullet point on your resume should contribute to evidence of your ability to lead, manage, and deliver results.

Serving as Regional Counsel for the Metro Region is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the American rule of law. If you possess the experience, leadership skills, and legal acuity to guide one of the most important legal offices in the country, we encourage you to apply by November 26, 2026. Review your materials carefully, focus your resume on the core competencies, and prepare to elevate your career to the federal executive level.

Why This Regional Counsel, Metro Job Matters

Lead the future of legal operations for ICE in the Metro region—a career-defining Senior Executive Service opportunity.

Regional Counsel, Metro Job Overview

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is seeking a visionary Regional Counsel to direct legal initiatives for the Metro Region. This high-impact executive leadership role oversees over 400 attorneys and support personnel, shaping litigation strategy and policy across a complex range of immigration, national security, and criminal law matters.

Requirements for Regional Counsel, Metro

Professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited law school.
Active, good-standing membership in the bar of a state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Submission of a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Completion of a drug test.
Compliance with financial disclosure requirements.
Completion of a one-year SES probationary period if not already a career SES member.

Preferred Qualifications for Regional Counsel, Metro

Expert-level knowledge of federal immigration law and procedures.
Extensive background in litigation involving national security, criminal prosecution, and immigration.
Proven experience in senior-level leadership and management of large-scale legal organizations.
Exceptional ability to lead teams through organizational transitions and manage high-stakes projects.
Demonstrated ability to craft and communicate complex legal analysis clearly and concisely.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Competitive paid leave, including federal holidays, annual, and sick leave.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework opportunities.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training within the Senior Executive Service.

💡 How to Apply Regional Counsel, Metro Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Regional Counsel, Metro Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages long.
Ensure your resume addresses the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs).
Submit your resume, proof of bar membership, and any relevant SF-50 forms.
Submit the application before the closing date of November 26, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; any content beyond two pages will not be reviewed.
Use a font size no smaller than 11 points.
Focus on results: quantify your leadership and legal achievements in your resume.
Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for this specific application.
Review your application package twice before submitting to ensure all required documentation is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit separate narrative statements for the ECQs and TQs?

No. You must weave your experience and accomplishments regarding the ECQs and TQs directly into your two-page resume. Separate narrative documents will not be accepted.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

The system or human resources team will only review the first two pages. Any information on page three or beyond will be ignored and may result in disqualification.

Is this a remote position?

While the agency supports telework, the position requires the incumbent to be stationed at an OPLA office within the Metro Region, and the position is not classified as a fully remote role.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized at the discretion of management.*

What is the security clearance requirement?

*A: This position requires a Top Secret clearance and is classified as a Special-Sensitive position.*

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

As a primary component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE is responsible for protecting the United States from cross-border threats. The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor is the agency’s engine for legal integrity. OPLA provides the legal framework for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ensuring that all agency actions adhere to the rule of law. With over 20,000 personnel across the globe, ICE manages a diverse portfolio, and OPLA serves as its backbone, representing the agency in complex forums from federal courts to labor boards.