Fresh Listing

Posted: February 20, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Supervisory General Attorney

Customs and Border Protection

Department of Homeland Security

Fresh

Salary

$147,945 - $192,331

per year

Type

Closes

March 13, 2026More CBP jobs →

GS-9 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $51,332 - $66,732

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-8. Master's degree or 2 years graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a senior lawyer role leading a team in a government office that handles legal matters for border security and customs enforcement.

The person in this position supervises other attorneys, gives legal advice on immigration and trade issues, and manages cases involving the agency.

It's a good fit for experienced lawyers with federal government background who enjoy leading teams and working on high-stakes legal challenges.

Key Requirements

  • At least five years of substantive legal experience as a licensed attorney
  • Minimum two years of federal service at GS-0905-14 grade level
  • Ability to supervise, train, and manage attorneys and support staff
  • U.S. citizenship and successful completion of a thorough background investigation
  • Residency in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (or qualifying exception)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of customs, immigration, and related federal laws

Full 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 Artesia, NM.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Applicants must have a minimum of five years of substantive legal experience as a licensed attorney and a minimum of two years of federal service at the GS-0905-14 grade level by the closing of this announcement and the following: Applicants should also possess and demonstrate the ability to supervise the work of others Background Investigation: U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.

During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

For additional information, review the following links: Background investigation and the e-QIP process. Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.

Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S.

Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S.

government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S.

government Major Duties:

This position is that of a Deputy Assistant Chief Counsel in Artesia, NM. The Office of Chief Counsel is one of the Government's largest and oldest legal offices.

OCC attorneys work on cutting-edge legal issues and provide critical advice across the CBP portfolio, including trade enforcement, search and seizure, immigration, and government ethics.

They also represent the agency in labor and employment matters and provide litigation support to the Department of Justice.

This position starts at a salary of $147,945.00 (GS-15, Step 1) to $192,331.00 (GS-15, Step 10). In this position, you will become a key member of the legal team of The Office of Chief Counsel.

Typical work assignments include: Supervising and training attorneys and support staff, reviewing work assignments; making recommendations on hiring, promotion and awards; and directing the flow of cases and assignments through the office to ensure a timely response; Managing the legal office, planning and implementing a legal program; Following the lead established by the Assistant Chief Counsel and assisting in directing all operating components of CBP including, the Office of Field Operations, the ports under that office, the Office of Regulatory Audit, the Border Patrol, and the Office of Air & Marine; Responding to and providing legal guidance to clients on the interpretation of Customs, Immigration and related laws, the scope of authority of CBP officials, the legal implications of their actions, and litigation affecting CBP, both criminal and civil; and Reviewing cases for possible appeal where a decision is unfavorable to the government, handling appeals or portions thereof including preparation of motions and briefs and the presentation of oral arguments at the request of the Department of Justice, and supervises provision of litigation and the representation of CBP before other forums such as state courts and administrative agencies

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 2/20/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/21/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: OCC-26/30-12893826-DE-LLE