General Attorney

Citizenship and Immigration Services; Alabama; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid federal holidays

Retirement plan

Thrift Savings Plan

Flexible Scheduling

Job summary

USCIS invites applications for a GS-15 Attorney position through the Office of the Chief Counsel. This role requires active bar membership, a J.D. or LL.M., and substantial federal legal experience.

Applicants must meet the stated qualification deadline and be prepared to provide credentials. The position emphasizes federal service and regulatory enforcement within the United States immigration framework.

Qualifications

• Qualification claims must be verified by 11:59 PM ET on 07/17/2026.
• Be an active member of the bar (jurisdiction).
• Provide a Certificate of Good Standing prior to starting.

Skills

Legal analysis

Legal writing

Federal employment experience

Education

J.D. or LL.M. degree

Job description

Job Overview

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. Do you desire to be a part of the vibrant United States immigrant admission process, to protect American interests and to secure our nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, United States Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS), and its Office of the Chief Counsel are calling! This is not an immigration law position.

Benefits

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities.

Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service‑connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Qualifications

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 07/17/2026. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification.

GS‑15 Level

• Are currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS‑14 and at least one year experience at that level, or if not a federal employee and you have at least three years of post‑J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Bar Requirement GS‑15

Be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction). Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.M. degree from an ABA‑accredited law school or serve a legal apprenticeship in California, Virginia, Vermont, or Washington and pass the bar exam in order to be permitted to practice law in one (1) of those jurisdictions.

Prior to entering on duty, all selected attorneys must provide a Certificate of Good Standing in holding an active Bar License to practice law in any state or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Experience

• Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.
• National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Promotional Potential

This position starts at the GS-15 depending on such factors as the selectee’s experience and current salary, and has promotion potential to the GS-15/10. When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.