Launch a prestigious career as an attorney with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE’s) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) San Antonio! Join a legal team dedicated to defending the nation’s immigration laws and safeguarding the United States with expertise and integrity. If you are a passionate legal professional and ready to serve your country, join OPLA and become a vital part of homeland security. OPLA San Antonio has openings in Dilley, Harlingen, Laredo, Los Fresnos, Pearsall, and San Antonio.

OPLA is the largest legal program in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Pursuant to statute, OPLA serves as the exclusive representative of DHS in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, litigating cases involving criminal aliens, terrorists, human rights violators, and other priority aliens. After going through a robust training program, the selected attorney will immediately be given significant responsibilities and will be expected to craft supportable legal positions to address the needs of agency operational components. The attorney will be expected to routinely provide timely legal advice to ICE officers and agents. OPLA provides a full range of legal services to all ICE programs and offices.

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. If you are a male born after 12/31/59, you must certify registration with the Selective Service.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your bar card or letter of good standing to: applicationsccosanantonio.opla@ice.dhs.gov. (Law clerk applicants must also submit a copy of their law school transcript.) You may also check USAJOBS for more information about OPLA positions.

Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. This job is neither remote nor telework eligible. Occasional travel may be required.

If you are a recent 2025 law school graduate who is awaiting bar results, you may apply for a position as a law clerk. Please submit a copy of your law school transcript showing that a J.D. has been conferred. Licensed attorneys must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. You must also be a U.S. citizen. Candidates will undergo a background check, including a drug test. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required.

Incentives: This position may offer up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses to eligible candidates, in which case a service agreement will be required. A student loan repayment incentive also may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.