Attorney Advisor

The Attorney Advisor is responsible for the preparation of proposed Board decisions in the most difficult and sensitive cases arising before the Board, involving extremely complex legal questions, factual issues, discretion, judgment, and other issues arising from decisions of Immigration Judges and DHS District Directors. ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Translated transcripts are required. For further information, click here.
About the Office

The primary mission of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is to adjudicate immigration cases by fairly, expeditiously, and uniformly interpreting and administering the Nation's immigration laws.

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is the highest administrative tribunal charged with interpreting and applying the immigration laws of the United States. The Board is responsible for applying the immigration and nationality laws uniformly throughout the United States. Accordingly, the Board has been given nationwide jurisdiction to review the orders of Immigration Judges and certain decisions made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to provide guidance to the Immigration Judges, DHS, and others, through published decisions. The Board also has appellate review/authority over various decisions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) District Directors, including all decisions involving carrier fines and penalties, familial visa petitions, and requests for advance permission to enter the United States. The Board's decisions are binding on all officers and employees of the DHS and on Immigration Judges in the administration of the Immigration and Nationality Act, except as they may be modified or overruled by the Attorney General.

Job Description

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is seeking Attorney Advisors that will be responsible for the preparation of proposed Board decisions in the most difficult and sensitive cases arising before the Board, involving extremely complex legal questions, factual issues, discretion, judgment, and other issues arising from decisions of Immigration Judges and DHS District Directors. The major duties include:

• Identifying all factual, procedural and substantive issues, relevant constitutional, statutory, judicial and regulatory law, and drafts properly supported legal decision.
• Analyzing records of administrative hearings to evaluate questions of fact and/or questions of law for adherence to procedural requirements.
• Rendering guidance and interpretation with respect to questions pertaining to regulations, practices or other matters falling within the purview of the Board.
• Preparing proposed order reflecting analysis of issues and recommendation for disposition.
• Drafting proposed Board decisions in the most complex and sensitive cases arising before the Board, involving extremely complex legal questions and factual issues.

In order to qualify for the Attorney Advisor position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Required Experience:For GS-13:

• Must possess a J.D. Degree
• Must be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• Must have at least 1.5-years post-J.D. legal (or equivalent), or other relevant experience.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or National.

For GS-14:

• Must possess a J.D. Degree
• Must be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• Must have at least 2.5-years post J.D. legal (or equivalent), or other relevant experience.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or National.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)Preferred Experience: Legal advisory, legal research, and legal policy experience in immigration law is preferred but not required.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your assessment questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your Resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name, position title, grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.