[Remote] Associate Principal Legal Advisor for Legal Operations

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a senior executive legal leader for its Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. The role oversees regional legal operations, immigration and customs litigation, legal advice, litigation support, policy development, and coordination of major legal initiatives across assigned regions.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the provision of legal advice and assistance on matters concerning the enforcement of this nation's immigration and customs laws; overseeing the prosecution/litigation of cases before EOIR's Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals in removal proceedings against aliens alleged to be in the United States in violation of the law; and overseeing the prosecution of criminal cases and the defense of civil cases before the U.S. District Courts and the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals by ICE attorneys
• 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 provision of crucial litigation support and advice to the DOJ U.S. Attorneys' Offices and OIL in the prosecution and defense of cases before the U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States on matters related to the operations of DHS and ICE; and advising and representing ICE in special interest and other sensitive cases, including terrorism, human rights violator, and national security matters
• Assisting the Principal Legal Advisor (PLA), Executive Deputy Principal Legal Advisor (EDPLA), and Deputy Principal Legal Advisor (DPLA) for Legal Operations for Legal Operations in developing and planning legal operations and furnishing continuity of administration to the legal functions of ICE. This includes implementing the various strategic plans of DHS, ICE, and OPLA; directing legal activities in connection with highly significant problems; directing the provision of a full range of legal advice and services; participating in the development of ICE policies, directives, and procedures; and ensuring they are consistent with the intent of the law and are administratively sound, efficient, and economical in operation
• Responding to congressional inquiries; reviewing and analyzing proposed legislation and case law; preparing, reviewing, and approving official documents and letters for signature by the Director, Deputy Director, and other senior management officials; and attending conferences with and, as appropriate, rendering legal opinions to the Director, Deputy Director, PLA, and other senior managers of ICE; senior officials of the Department and other government departments; and outside private-sector organizations
• Serving under the general direction of the PLA, EDPLA, and DPLA for Legal Operations; performing the duties with broad authority, which carries with it wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Other than on matters of unusual significance, decisions and judgments are not reviewed. Exercising sound judgment in determining whether particular matters should be brought to the attention of the PLA, EDPLA, or other senior officials

Skills

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
• You must possess a professional law degree, e.g., J.D. or 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
• * **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; and (7) a demonstrated ability to work independently and decisively
• Candidate should have demonstrated management abilities involving both legal and logistical matters in an agency, law firm, or other organization
• Candidate 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
• * **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
• **The incumbent of this position oversees the following OPLA Regional Counsel offices: Great Lakes-Rockies, Lone Star-Great Plains, Southwest Border, and Pacific-Northwest. The incumbent must be stationed at an OPLA office within one of those regions.**
• **Duty Location:** This position may be filled at any approved duty location within one of the four assigned regions: Great Lakes-Rockies, Lone Star-Great Plains, Southwest Border, or Pacific-Northwest. The specific duty location will be determined upon selection, in coordination with management and based on agency needs

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• You and your family will have access to a range of benefits.
• Relocation expenses may be authorized for this position. Approval is subject to management discretion and will be made in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and agency policy.

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