Organizational Location: The Director of Legal Operations is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), located in Washington, DC. OCC attorneys 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

Duties

This position starts at a salary of $163,964.00 (GS-15, Step 1) to $191,900.00 (GS-15, Step 10) with promotion potential to $191,900.00 (GS-15, Step 10). The Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) provides legal advice to, and legal representation of, CBP officers in matters relating to the activities and functions of CBP to include reviewing proposed actions to ensure compliance with legal requirements, preparing formal legal opinions, preparing or reviewing responses in all court actions, civil or criminal, involving CBP, and developing, implementing, and evaluating nationwide programs, policies and procedures within its functional areas. In this position, you will become a key member of the legal team for The Office of The Chief Counsel. Typical work assignments include: Developing and managing OCC legal operations, programs, and policies. Establishing and managing an OCC legal writing program for attorneys and paralegals; Identifying efficiencies and modernizing OCC legal operations to include developing internal standard operating procedures; Furthering collaboration and communications between OCC field and HQ leadership and staff. Ensuring appropriate coordination across OCC offices to ensure unified and consistent legal guidance; Supervising and training attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, reviews work assignments, and makes recommendations on hiring, promotion, and awards. Manage OCC legal programs (National OCC Paralegal program, OCC's Special Assistant United States Attorney program), to include the development of a uniform mentoring and training program for OCC paralegals; and Researching, writing, reviewing, or coordinating the legal review of cases with a highly complex nature involving criminal and civil matters of national significance. Responsible for the analysis and recommendation presented in legal memoranda and documents prepared for signature by the Chief Counsel or the Deputy Chief Counsel, including recommendations to the Commissioner of CBP and DHS Office of General Counsel relating to settlement or compromise of administrative matters, litigation of national significance, and appeal recommendations.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of substantive legal work experience as a licensed attorney, and a minimum of one (1) year of federal service at the GS-0905-14 grade and the following: Applicants should also possess and demonstrate the ability to supervise the work of others. Outstanding writing, editing, and research skills. Outstanding legal and organizational problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Outstanding ability to work well with senior executives within their component and throughout their Agency. Specialized Education: 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. A copy of your bar admittance must be submitted upon selection. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 09/25/2024. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. 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

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Chief Counsel Please see HOW TO APPLY Washington, DC 20229 US
• Name: CBP Hiring Center
• Phone: 952-857-2932
• Email: [email protected]