How to Apply for the ICE General Attorney (Employment Law) Position – USAJOBS Job 849302700

Introduction

For experienced attorneys seeking a meaningful federal legal career, the General Attorney (Employment Law) position with ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is an outstanding opportunity. According to the announcement (Control No. 849302700), the salary range spans $75,706 to $162,672 per year, with grade levels GS-12 through GS-15. ice.usajobs.gov

In this blog, we’ll break down the job’s key responsibilities, qualifications, benefits, how to apply, and share tips to strengthen your candidacy.

What the Role Involves

As a General Attorney focused on employment law within OPLA, you will provide legal advice and support to ICE activities and programs on issues like adverse employment actions, disciplinary matters, performance issues, reasonable accommodations, EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) and federal employment law practice. ice.usajobs.gov

The role also includes representing the agency in proceedings before administrative and judicial forums such as:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

• Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

• Office of Special Counsel (OSC)

• U.S. federal courts. ice.usajobs.gov

Locations: The announcement shows multiple vacancy locations (e.g., Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, Newark, Philadelphia, Seattle) among others. The appointment is full-time, permanent. ice.usajobs.gov

Salary, Bonuses & Grade Levels

• Salary range: $75,706 to $162,672 annually (reflecting GS base pay for GS-12 through GS-15). ice.usajobs.gov

• Bonus incentives: The announcement states up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses may be offered. ice.usajobs.gov

• Grade levels: GS-12 through GS-15 depending on experience and qualifications. Promotion potential up to GS-15. ice.usajobs.gov

Key Qualifications & Requirements

To be eligible for the posting, applicants must meet the following basic criteria:

• U.S. citizenship. ice.usajobs.gov

• Graduation from an accredited law school (Juris Doctor or equivalent). ice.usajobs.gov

• Active membership in good standing of a U.S. state, territory, or DC bar. ice.usajobs.gov

• Demonstrated experience with federal employment law, EEO matters, disciplinary actions, or representing federal agencies in administrative/judicial forums. ice.usajobs.gov

• Strong legal research and writing skills, advocacy capability, organizational and communication skills. ice.usajobs.gov

• Background investigation clearance to Secret level, and drug screening as a condition of employment. ice.usajobs.gov

Why This Role Matters

• Mission-critical legal work: You will advise one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the U.S., impacting how federal employment law is handled across ICE.

• Career development: With a GS-12 to GS-15 structure and up to $50k bonus, this role offers both professional prestige and financial incentive.

• Multi-location flexibility: The vacancy spans several major U.S. cities, allowing candidates to apply in many geographies.

• High impact: Working on federal employment law for ICE includes handling complex, high-stakes legal matters and policy implications.

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Visit the job announcement on USAJOBS (Control No. 849302700).

2. Carefully review the “Duties,” “Requirements,” and “How to Apply” sections.

3. Prepare a federal-style resume — include bar membership, employment law experience, administrative/judicial advocacy, federal agency counsel work.

4. Collect documents: law school diploma/transcript, bar membership certificate, any performance evaluation or writing samples if requested.

5. Submit your application through USAJOBS before the closing date (11/14/2025) as stated in the announcement. ice.usajobs.gov

6. Be ready for additional screening: background check, drug test, verification of bar status, possibly writing sample or interview.

7. Monitor your USAJOBS profile and email for status updates.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Tailor your resume to the job duties: Use phrases like “federal employment law counsel,” “EEOC/OSC actions,” “disciplinary/adverse actions,” “reasonable accommodation issues.”

• Show measurable outcomes: If you resolved EEO complaints, reduced agency liability, or represented federal agencies before MSPB/EEOC, highlight those with numbers or results.

• Demonstrate supervisory or stakeholder experience: Even if the role is not supervisory, showing ability to coordinate or advise high-level decision-makers helps.

• Highlight clarity of writing and advocacy skills: Employment law advice demands precision, so emphasize published decisions, briefs, or major memos you authored.

• Address bonus eligibility: If you are eligible for relocation or bonus — mention your readiness and reasons you may qualify.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an attorney with a solid foundation in federal employment law and you desire a high-impact role in public service, the General Attorney (Employment Law) position at ICE presents a rare opportunity. With a strong salary range, bonus potential and multiple locations, it’s a role worth pursuing. Ensure you submit a strong federal-style application, align your experience to the duties listed, and prepare to be part of a mission-driven legal team.