Duties

As a General Attorney with the Commercial and Administrative Law Division (CALD) with the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), you will perform the following duties at the full performance level:

Advising and assisting ICE officials (including the Head of Contracting Activity and Chief Financial Officer) in carrying out ICE responsibilities with respect to acquisition programs and inquiries involving fiscal and appropriations law;
Providing legal counsel and representation in a variety of practice areas, including but not limited to federal procurement, fiscal law, suspension and debarment, general administrative, and intellectual property law;
Litigating and representing ICE in protests before the Government Accountability Office and claims before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals;
Assisting Department of Justice counsel in all aspects of trial preparation for contract and certain administrative claims before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and U.S. District Court;
Providing procurement, fiscal and administrative law guidance, counsel, and support to the Executive Associate Director for Management and Administration, the ICE Office of Acquisition Management and the ICE Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation and drug screen for federal employment.
Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
Relevant Experience. Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Complete Application Package (see How to Apply Tab).
You may be required to serve a two-year trial period, if the requirement has not been met.
You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, and be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must have the following experience:

Providing legal counsel and representation in a variety of practice areas, including but not limited to federal procurement, fiscal law, suspension & debarment, general administrative, and intellectual property law;
Conducting extensive research, analysis, and evaluation and providing oral and written advice; experience in one or more of the following is highly preferred: appropriation and fiscal law, suspension & debarment and contract matters to include formation, administration, claims, disputes, terminations, appeals, and litigation;
Possessing well-developed written advocacy skills, organizational skills, communication skills, the ability to function both independently and as part of a team, interpersonal relationship skills, a strong work ethic, and an ability and willingness to learn new areas of the law;
Drafting legal opinions that contain complex legal analysis while balancing policy consideration;
SPECIAL NOTE: While litigation experience is not required, it is highly preferred.

Education

Applicants must be a graduate of a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association and 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. If qualifying based on your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order 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 .

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

Additional information

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.

Promotion Potential: This position has promotion potential to the GS-15. 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.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.

Notice to Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the Excepted Service; however, OPLA considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.

Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF-15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available at https://www.opm.gov/

Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment, you must complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 C.F.R. § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. All applicants tentatively selected for employment are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative result.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job:

Ability to research, draft, and present timely legal opinions for clients, management, and senior leadership at various levels of the agency.
Ability to prioritize multiple assignments; exercise sound legal judgment; efficiently produce quality legal analyses of complex legal issues; be detail-oriented and work effectively (both independently and as part of a team).
Ability to take initiative and work in a reliable, decisive and professional manner.

Qualified candidates will be rated by comparing each candidate's qualifications to the skills and experience pertinent to the position to be filled. Experience, education, training, awards, and performance will be considered. An applicant need not have specific knowledge and experience with regard to each item listed in the Duties section in order to qualify for the position.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through national Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious, community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that relates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience to be fully credited.

All the information you provide may be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references and through other means, such as the interview process. This verification may occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or firing you after you begin work.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

You must include all required documentation, as set forth below, with your application package before the closing date. No extensions will be granted for required documents.

Cover Letter: Please use your cover letter to discuss your interest in the position; your pertinent knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience; and your personal characteristics and competencies that qualify you for the position as detailed in the Duties section of this announcement.

In addition, your cover letter must include the following information:
- full name;
- home address;
- home or work e-mail address(es);
- phone number(s) where we may contact you: cell, work, and/or home; and
- name of the law school, year of graduation, and year admitted to the bar.
Resume: Your resume must include: announcement number, education, training, awards, and work experience. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY). Please indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor.

Writing Sample: A writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical abilities must be submitted as part of your application package, for which you must be the principal author. It should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.

Transcript: If you have practiced law for less than five years, you must submit a copy of your law school transcript and grade-point average or class ranking. If you have practiced law for five years or more, your transcript is not required.

Bar Membership: Submit proof that you are a member of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. You must submit proof of current membership (i.e., bar card, certificate of good standing, or other documentary evidence), dated within six months of this application, from the bar to which you are licensed.

Are you a current or former federal employee? Please submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade.

Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable): If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.

If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.

If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage or call 1-800-827-1000.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11273867 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/12/2021 to receive consideration.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

NOTE: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, please contact the OPLA representative listed on this announcement.

Vaccination: As required by Executive Order 14043, federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021. If your appointment or onboarding with the agency is after November 22, proof of vaccination must be provided prior to onboarding. Individuals who wish to request a legally required disability or religious exemption from this vaccination requirement should direct questions or requests to e-mail ICEReasonableAccommodation@ice.dhs.gov. Due to COVID-19, the component is currently in an expanded telework posture. Therefore, if selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area.

Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Agency contact information

Lynn Phillips

Phone

(214) 905-5311

Email

Attorney.opla@ice.dhs.gov

Address

OPLA GENERAL AND ADMIN LAW
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Next steps

Notification Process: Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. If you are found qualified after a complete review of your application is made, you will receive a notification that you were referred to the hiring official for selection. Highly qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. The process of consideration of applicants may take several weeks or longer. If you are selected, a suitability/security background investigation will be conducted.

To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information" link under the application status for this position.

Current or Former Political Appointees: 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
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request

Required Documents

You must include all required documentation, as set forth below, with your application package before the closing date. No extensions will be granted for required documents.

Cover Letter: Please use your cover letter to discuss your interest in the position; your pertinent knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience; and your personal characteristics and competencies that qualify you for the position as detailed in the Duties section of this announcement.

In addition, your cover letter must include the following information:

full name;
home address;
home or work e-mail address(es);
phone number(s) where we may contact you: cell, work, and/or home; and
name of the law school, year of graduation, and year admitted to the bar.

Resume: Your resume must include: announcement number, education, training, awards, and work experience. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY). Please indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor.

Writing Sample: A writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical abilities must be submitted as part of your application package, for which you must be the principal author. It should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.

Transcript: If you have practiced law for less than five years, you must submit a copy of your law school transcript and grade-point average or class ranking. If you have practiced law for five years or more, your transcript is not required.

Bar Membership: Submit proof that you are a member of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. You must submit proof of current membership (i.e., bar card, certificate of good standing, or other documentary evidence), dated within six months of this application, from the bar to which you are licensed.

Are you a current or former federal employee? Please submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade.

Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable): If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.

If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.

If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage or call 1-800-827-1000.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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