General Attorney

What you would do

• Give legal advice to CBP on activities at and between ports of entry.
• Research and apply laws, regulations, and guidance across CBP's work.
• Represent CBP in administrative hearings on discipline, discrimination, and union matters.
• Support the Department of Justice in federal court cases by preparing filings and reports.
• Develop and deliver legal training to CBP managers and employees.

Do you qualify for GS-11 to GS-14?

With education: You must have a law degree (Juris Doctor or equivalent) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, or from a school with other accreditation that lets graduates sit for a state bar exam. Recent law school graduates, and attorneys with less than one year of experience as a licensed attorney, must also show superior law student work to qualify at the GS-11 level. Examples include ranking in the top third of the class, work on a law review, moot court, full-time legal aid work, significant summer clerk experience, or an Office of Chief Counsel or DHS externship.

Licenses and certifications you need:

• Active membership in good standing in the bar of a U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico

How to apply well

What to send:

• Cover letter of no more than two pages showing your interest in the position
• Resume of no more than two pages, with full legal name, announcement number, veterans' preference, phone, email, last four SSN digits, and work history
• Resume details: duties, dates (MM/DD/YY), hours worked per week, job title, series, grade, and salary
• Law school transcripts (unofficial is accepted now, official is required if selected)
• Writing sample of no more than five pages
• Veterans documentation if you claim veterans' preference

How you will be rated: You are rated on your education, experience, legal research and writing ability, and interview performance. Interviews may include a personal interview and a writing exercise. Missing required information may result in an ineligible rating or a lower overall rating.

Tips for this job:

• Include hours worked per week and exact dates (MM/DD/YY) for every job on your resume, since these are required.
• Email your full package to OCCSANDIEGOMGMT@CBP.DHS.GOV with 'Vacancy CC/27-06 San Diego, California' in the subject line; fax, mail, and USAJOBS uploads are not accepted.
• Prepare a strong writing sample of up to five pages, because writing ability is part of the rating.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time

Conditions of employment:

• U.S. citizenship required
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
• Primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years
• You may be required to pass a background investigation
• Drug testing under the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan
• Ethics rules apply, and outside employment needs approval
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility
• You may be required to serve a 2-year trial/probationary period
• Current or recent political appointees must disclose this to HR
• Law clerks must be admitted to the bar within 14 months of appointment

Job details

Salary

$85,307 – $186,785 per year

Pay scale and grade

GS-11 to GS-14 · General Schedule

Location

San Diego, California

Appointment

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Openings

3

Security clearance

Not Required

Travel

Occasional travel

Drug test

Not required

Supervisory

No

Occupation

Attorney (0905)

Announcement

OCC/27-06-DE-13085856-JMD