General Attorney

U.S.-Citizenship-and-Immigration-Services; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services seeks attorneys at the GS-13/14/15 levels to provide expert legal counsel and guidance on complex matters within federal service. The roles require strong analytical skills, precise writing, and the ability to manage a heavy workload in a high-stakes environment.

Applicants must hold a J.D. or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school or complete a legal apprenticeship and pass the bar in order to practice law in at least one qualifying jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school or complete a legal apprenticeship and pass the bar to practice in CA, VA, VT, or WA.
• Bar requirement for GS-13 through GS-15: active bar membership (any jurisdiction).
• Education and bar credentials are required for consideration at GS-13/14/15 levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate legal advice to attorneys and non-attorneys on complex matters.
• Manage a heavy workload and meet strict deadlines.
• Prepare and review legal writings and written submissions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable federal law and regulatory changes.

Skills

Legal analysis

Deadline adherence

Workload management

Strong writing

Application materials

Recommendations review

Education

J.D. or LL.M.

Job description

Deadline

Qualification for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 09/30/2026.

GS-13 Qualification

• Currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-12 and at least one year experience at that level, or


• Not a federal employee and you have at least one year of post-J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

GS-14 Qualification

• Currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-13 and at least one year experience at that level, or


• Not a federal employee and you have at least two years of post-J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

GS-15 Qualification

• Currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-14 and at least one year experience at that level, or


• 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.

Education and Bar Requirements

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 of those jurisdictions.

Bar Requirement GS-13 thru GS-15: Be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction).

Applicant Rating Factors

• Ability to resolve questions and provide accurate legal advice to both attorneys and non-attorneys on complex legal matters.


• Ability to handle a heavy workload and meet deadlines.


• Legal aptitude as reflected in the resume provided.


• Quality of writing sample not to exceed 10 pages.


• Quality of the cover letter addressed to OCC summarizing interest in the position not to exceed 1 page.


• Quality of recommendations provided (No more than 3 recommendations total).

Work History Requirements

• Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)


• Duties (be specific in describing your duties)


• Employer's name and address


• Supervisor name and phone number


• Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)


• Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.


• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)


• Salary

National Service Experience

Volunteer experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). 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 13/14/15, 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.