Trial Attorney, Office of Immigration Litigation

About the role

The Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) hires Trial Attorneys who handle immigration-related litigation in district and appellate courts. The work includes defending the government's positions on immigration enforcement, border security, habeas petitions, naturalization revocation and other matters, and acting as expert consultants on immigration questions from Congress and the Department.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate with agency clients and craft litigation strategy
• Draft complaints, motions, answers and briefs, and conduct pre-trial work
• Participate in hearings, oral arguments and court-ordered discussions
• Engage in settlement talks and decide whether to seek panel, en banc or Supreme Court review of adverse decisions
• Handle attorney's fees litigation and advise federal agencies on immigration and border enforcement matters

Required profile

• J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution, with a license to practice as an attorney in good standing
• U.S. citizen or national, background investigation including drug testing, and ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility where assigned
• 2-year trial period required; upon completion, employment continues only if the agency certifies it advances the public interest
• Grade-level experience after the J.D.: up to 1 year for GS-11, 1+ year for GS-12, 1.5 years for GS-13, 2.5 years for GS-14, 4 years for GS-15

Preferred qualifications

• Excellent academic credentials, advocacy and legal writing skills
• Motion practice, discovery, expert witness work, case trials and a federal judicial clerkship