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Interviewed for an Assistant Chief Counsel position with DHS/ICE a couple weeks ago. Still waiting on results. Anyone familiar with the hiring process, or the everyday life of an ICE attorney?

I spent a summer working for the Office of Chief Counsel under OPLA. The attorneys spent roughly half their time in immigration court, and the other half of their time preparing cases. Lifestyle seemed pretty good though, usually rolled into the office around 9 and were out by 5. If it was a court day bump arrival up to 8:00. Everyone generally seemed very happy with what they were doing, and there was a surprising amount of diversity.

A friend applied in December, interviewed in January, received a COE in March, received a final offer in June or July, and started in August.

Anonymous User wrote:I spent a summer working for the Office of Chief Counsel under OPLA. The attorneys spent roughly half their time in immigration court, and the other half of their time preparing cases. Lifestyle seemed pretty good though, usually rolled into the office around 9 and were out by 5. If it was a court day bump arrival up to 8:00. Everyone generally seemed very happy with what they were doing, and there was a surprising amount of diversity.

OP here. That's good to know. In terms of case preparation, what does that include? Would I be researching and writing at all?

Anonymous User wrote:A friend applied in December, interviewed in January, received a COE in March, received a final offer in June or July, and started in August.

OP here. May I ask which office this is? Or which state this office is in?

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:A friend applied in December, interviewed in January, received a COE in March, received a final offer in June or July, and started in August.

OP here. May I ask which office this is? Or which state this office is in?

TX/AZ/NM area

Anonymous User wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:I spent a summer working for the Office of Chief Counsel under OPLA. The attorneys spent roughly half their time in immigration court, and the other half of their time preparing cases. Lifestyle seemed pretty good though, usually rolled into the office around 9 and were out by 5. If it was a court day bump arrival up to 8:00. Everyone generally seemed very happy with what they were doing, and there was a surprising amount of diversity.

OP here. That's good to know. In terms of case preparation, what does that include? Would I be researching and writing at all?

Honestly, probably 70% of cases I saw during my time at ICE were Pro Se and fairly routine removals. Occasionally judges asked for briefs, but this was rare is my experience.

Prep for cases seemed to consist of making/responding to motions and preparing questions, and making sure you have a few relevant BIA opinions in your back pocket.