General Attorney

Customs and Border Protection; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in public service is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join its team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work within the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on critical legal matters that impact national security. As part of a dynamic office, you will engage in meaningful legal work, providing counsel and support to various departments. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background from an accredited law school and demonstrate exceptional legal research and communication skills. If you are passionate about public service and ready to make a difference, this position is for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of a state bar.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis for cases.
• Provide legal advice to clients within the agency.

Skills

Legal Research

Written Communication

Oral Advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Chief Counsel, located in Chicago, IL.

Learn more about OCC's mission, core values, and careers at https://careers.cbp.gov/s/career-paths/occ/occ-attorney

Review our benefits

Applicant must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Specialized Education: Recent law school graduates may be appointed to attorney positions at the GS-11 level with the following additional qualifications: rank in the top 1/3 of the graduating class; participation on the school's official Law Review; winning a moot court competition; or membership on a moot court team representing their law school in inter-law school competitions. An interim appointment of 14 months may be made pending the applicant's admission to the bar. The applicant will be required to provide proof of bar admission and a copy of their official law school transcript.

Experience includes paid and unpaid work, volunteer work through programs like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, and other organizations. Volunteer experience helps build skills and can be credited towards the qualifications.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, by 06/02/2025, with verification at any stage of the application process.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must approve employment offers to current or former political appointees. If you have held such positions within the last 5 years, disclose this information to Human Resources.

Background Investigation: CBP requires a thorough background check for all applicants to ensure integrity and adherence to core values. The process includes questions about criminal history and drug use. For more details, see Background investigation and e-QIP process.

Residency: Applicants not currently employed by CBP must have resided in the U.S. or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. Exceptions may be requested if the applicant has been abroad for more than two of the last five years due to specific circumstances, such as working for the U.S. government, participating in study abroad programs, or supporting the U.S. government in other capacities.