The Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor is the senior career deputy to the Principal Legal Advisor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor is the legal arm of ICE, providing mission-critical legal services, counsel, and training to support ICE initiatives and programs vital to protecting U.S. national security, public safety, and the integrity of the immigration system.
Summary
The Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor is the senior career deputy to the Principal Legal Advisor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor is the legal arm of ICE, providing mission-critical legal services, counsel, and training to support ICE initiatives and programs vital to protecting U.S. national security, public safety, and the integrity of the immigration system.
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) protects the homeland by diligently litigating cases while adhering to the highest standards of professional conduct, providing timely and accurate legal advice, and optimizing resources to advance the missions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. OPLA is part of the Office of the General Counsel within DHS. The General Counsel, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, serves as the Department's chief legal officer and principal legal advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security. As such, the General Counsel is responsible for all of the Department's legal determinations and for overseeing all of its attorneys.
As the Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor (EDPLA), the incumbent serves as the senior career deputy to the Principal Legal Advisor (PLA) for ICE. The incumbent is primarily responsible for assisting the PLA in executing the OPLA mission, fulfilling the statutory obligations of representing the United States in immigration court proceedings, and providing a full range of legal counsel, advice, and services to ICE offices and programs. The work requires the ability to conceptualize, develop, and recommend legal options to ICE and DHS leadership, as well as the ability to explain and defend decisions based on those options to Congress, professional groups, other federal agencies, and high-ranking officials in the private sector.
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
Serving as the senior advisor to the PLA on all matters affecting the program's operations.
Identifying and resolving broad technical and managerial problems.
Ensuring the proper interpretation of, and adherence to, program policies and procedures, and establishing new policies and procedures as required.
Solving complex problems that resist solutions at subordinate levels and that have broad policy implications or involve large commitments of funds or personnel.
Providing legal advice to the General Counsel, the ICE Director, and other ICE senior leaders, and overseeing the preparation of legal memoranda and briefing materials in complex and novel matters.
Overseeing the provision of legal advice and assistance to ICE officers and agents on matters involving violations of criminal and customs laws.
Working closely with the Department of Justice on the prosecution of criminal cases brought by ICE agents and officers, and the defense of civil cases involving ICE before the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Overseeing the provision of legal advice and assistance to ICE managers on administrative, fiscal, procurement, information disclosure, and labor and employment laws.
Overseeing litigation by OPLA attorneys before tribunals such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, and the Boards of Contract Appeals.
Providing guidance and support in connection with matters that may include highly controversial or sensitive issues, or previously undecided questions where adverse decisions would negatively affect ICE operations.
Overseeing the implementation of OPLA's strategic plan. Planning, directing, managing, supervising, and coordinating program objectives, and establishing priorities and policies for the effective accomplishment of OPLA's mission. Initiating and recommending the adoption of new policies and procedures designed to improve operations.
Evaluating and improving administrative methods and procedures, and effectively using human resources, funds, and materials to accomplish the program's work. Developing budget estimates and ensuring that resources are appropriately utilized. Promoting the development of alternative solutions to problems impacting the program's operations.
Overseeing and managing the execution of the program's human capital efforts relating to personnel selections, promotions, performance management, discipline, and all other personnel functions to ensure actions are taken in accordance with merit systems principles and all other applicable federal laws, rules, regulations, and DHS/ICE guidelines and procedures.
Personally complying with, and ensuring the compliance of subordinates with, integrity standards and applicable laws, regulations, and instructions governing employee standards of conduct.
Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
File a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law.
You must be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
Qualifications
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the ECQs or TQs.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the TQs.
TQ 1: Candidate must have experience that demonstrates (1) an expert knowledge of immigration law and procedures; (2) a strong litigation background, particularly with regard to immigration, national security, and criminal prosecution; (3) service-minded leadership; (4) a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with operational elements in implementing, coordinating, and prosecuting enforcement initiatives; (5) a demonstrated ability to structure and lead major projects and initiatives, and to coordinate teams effectively; (6) a demonstrated ability to operate effectively during transition, and to master the changing structure and functions of a legal program, the agency, and the DHS; and (7) a demonstrated ability to work independently and decisively.
TQ 2: Demonstrated management abilities involving both legal and logistical matters in an agency, law firm, or other organization. Candidates should have an ability to work with legal and policy professionals to evaluate and develop agency objectives, authorities and programs and have excellent legal writing skills that demonstrate clear and concise analysis.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the TQs listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in a U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Education
You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law and be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. You must submit documentation supporting that you meet this qualification when applying to this job opportunity announcement.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage.
Additional information
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information.
Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) expenses may be authorized at Management's discretion.
Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives may be authorized at Management's discretion.
Background Investigation: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all employees to be reliable and trustworthy. Selected applicants must complete a background investigation for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, including review of financial issues, criminal offenses, and drug use.
Employment offers will comply with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, OMB and OPM guidance, and OMB hiring policies. These may change.
DHS maintains a drug-free workplace per Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy. Employees in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing. All applicants selected for DHS Headquarters must pass a drug test.
If you receive a conditional offer, you must complete Optional Form 306 and certify the accuracy of your application. False statements may result in withdrawal, dismissal, fines, or imprisonment.
DHS uses e-Verify to confirm work eligibility for all new hires.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your application package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the ECQs and TQs listed above. The ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your 2-page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual(s) selected must have their executive qualifications certified by the OPM SES QRB before appointment. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, QRB-certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
A complete application includes the items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible. Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to 2 pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each), with 1-inch margins on the top and bottom, 1/2-inch margins on the left and right, and a font no smaller than 11 points, showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the SES must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. Please do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
2. Vacancy Question/Assessment Questionnaire Responses: Responses are automatically submitted through USAJOBS when you apply to this vacancy.
3. Additional Required Documents: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation, if applicable.
Current or Former SES Members: Must provide your SES appointment Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SESCDP Graduates: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
Current Federal Civil Service Employee: Must provide a copy of your SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law and be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. You must submit documentation supporting that you meet this qualification when applying to this job opportunity announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click "Apply" to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will not be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process, at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
OPLA EXECUTIVE OFFICE
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
Next steps
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov/. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A complete application includes the items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible. Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to 2 pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each), with 1-inch margins on the top and bottom, 1/2-inch margins on the left and right, and a font no smaller than 11 points, showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the SES must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. Please do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
2. Vacancy Question/Assessment Questionnaire Responses: Responses are automatically submitted through USAJOBS when you apply to this vacancy.
3. Additional Required Documents: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation, if applicable.
Current or Former SES Members: Must provide your SES appointment Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SESCDP Graduates: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
Current Federal Civil Service Employee: Must provide a copy of your SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law and be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. You must submit documentation supporting that you meet this qualification when applying to this job opportunity announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click "Apply" to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will not be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process, at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
OPLA EXECUTIVE OFFICE
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
Next steps
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov/. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
