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Ice Attorney Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA ... General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages. Qualifications: Unless ...

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Ice Attorney Salary information

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$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do ice attorney salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for ice attorney salary in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of an ICE attorney?

The average salary of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) attorney, also known as an Assistant Chief Counsel, typically ranges from approximately $70,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and grade level within the federal government pay scale. Entry-level positions may start at a lower GS (General Schedule) pay grade, while those with more experience or working in high-cost-of-living areas may earn more. Additional benefits, such as federal health insurance and retirement plans, are also included as part of the compensation package.

How to become a lawyer for ICE?

To become a lawyer for ICE, you typically need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, pass the state bar exam, and gain experience in immigration law or federal agencies. Familiarity with immigration policies, security clearances, and strong legal research skills are also important for employment in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by ICE attorneys, and how do they typically overcome them?

ICE attorneys often face high caseloads and tight deadlines, especially when representing the government in removal proceedings. They must stay updated on frequently changing immigration laws and policies, which requires ongoing research and professional development. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other government attorneys is essential, as is maintaining clear and professional communication with opposing counsel and the courts. To overcome these challenges, ICE attorneys rely on strong organizational skills, effective teamwork, and regular training opportunities provided by their agency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ICE Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ICE Attorney, you generally need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong understanding of immigration and federal law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital to effectively represent the government, ensure due process, and manage challenging caseloads in a dynamic legal environment.

What is the most an immigration lawyer can make?

The salary of an immigration lawyer can vary widely based on experience, location, and the complexity of cases handled. Senior or specialized immigration attorneys working in large firms or high-demand areas can earn over $150,000 annually. Factors such as certifications, reputation, and client base also influence earning potential.

Does ICE hire lawyers?

Yes, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) employs lawyers, including attorneys who handle immigration law, criminal cases, and legal compliance. These lawyers often work in legal divisions, providing counsel, representing the agency in court, and supporting enforcement operations. A law degree and bar admission are typically required for these positions.

How can a lawyer make $500,000 a year?

A lawyer can earn $500,000 annually by working in high-paying specialties such as corporate law, intellectual property, or trial law, often at large firms or as a partner. Achieving this income typically requires extensive experience, a strong client base, and excellent negotiation skills, along with a focus on billable hours and business development.

What is the difference between Ice Attorney Salary vs Customs Attorney Salary?

AspectIce Attorney SalaryCustoms Attorney Salary
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, government agenciesLegal settings, government agencies, international trade
Industry UsageImmigration enforcement, federal agenciesTrade compliance, import/export regulations

Both Ice Attorneys and Customs Attorneys require similar legal credentials and often work within government agencies. Ice Attorneys focus on immigration enforcement, while Customs Attorneys specialize in trade laws and import/export regulations. The salary differences are generally minimal, but specific roles and experience can influence compensation.

More about Ice Attorney Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Ice Attorney Salary jobs? Cities with the most Ice Attorney Salary job openings:
What states have the most Ice Attorney Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Ice Attorney Salary jobs include:
Workers' Rights Staff Attorney

Workers' Rights Staff Attorney

Asian Law Caucus

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$87K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Type: Regular, Exempt, Full-time, This position is included in the collective bargaining unit represented by CWA Local 9410.

Location: San Francisco,CA. This is a hybrid role that is required to work in the office 2 days a week.

Deadline: Applications are due by August 11, 2026

Compensation and Benefits.

The Staff Attorney's salary range is $87,550 - $137,620. The Senior Staff Attorney's salary range is $113,912 - $148,629.

This position is eligible for language premiums for demonstrated proficiency in a language other than English that is regularly used in their job duties. The annual premium is $1,500 for oral proficiency and $1,500 for written proficiency in each language.

ALC's comprehensive benefits package includes the following: generous vacation and paid holidays; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage (ALC pays 100% of premiums for employees and 75% for qualified dependents); a flexible spending account (FSA); and 401(k) retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match.

The Opportunity

Asian Law Caucus (ALC) seeks a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney (depending on years of relevant experience) at a crucial time for immigrant and low-wage workers. Immigrant workers face governmental attacks and employer retaliation and intimidation. Employers use new technologies and old tactics to exploit workers, in industries ranging from restaurants to care work to transportation. Amid these challenges, our team works to strengthen worker power and protect Asian and Pacific Islander communities from wage theft, discrimination, and unsafe work environments.

Current and recent matters have sought to hold companies accountable for their app-based workers; garnered up to seven-figure wage-theft recoveries; combatted efforts to strip immigrants of commercial drivers licenses; and protected immigrant workers from information-sharing with ICE.

The attorney will advocate for immigrant workers through a combination of strategic litigation, community-centered legal and policy advocacy, direct legal services, and support for worker organizing. The attorney will work closely with worker centers and community partners to build lasting power for low-income, immigrant workers.

The position reflects our commitment to integrating legal advocacy with movement building to create systemic change. The attorney will work within a supportive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and community partnership, under the guidance of our Workers' Rights Program Director.

The Organization

ALC is the nation's first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Since 1972, ALC has fought for access to affordable housing in San Francisco's Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color, across our Housing Rights, Workers' Rights, Immigrant Justice, and National Democracy Initiative programs, and other emerging areas of law.

Responsibilities

  • Develop impact litigation, including class actions, in state or federal courts, to protect immigrant workers from governmental attacks and employer abuses and to strengthen workplace protections and worker power
  • Provide legal support for worker-led and/or worker-center-supported campaigns.
  • Provide high-quality legal advice and representation to individual low-wage workers, including in federal or state courts; federal, state, and/or local administrative proceedings; and direct negotiation with employers
  • Advocate for policies that advance a pro-worker agenda at the local, state, and/or federal levels, informed by direct services work and community partnerships
  • Collaborate with Communications staff to develop stories with ALC clients and their communities and execute narrative-shifting strategies.
  • Participate in community education and outreach efforts

An attorney hired at the Senior Staff Attorney level will exercise a greater degree of leadership and independence consistent with ALC's criteria for senior designation.

All ALC staff are expected to participate in regular check-in meetings with their supervisor/supervisees, staff meetings, team meetings, and other organization meetings, as required.

Note: This job description is subject to change and is not intended to constitute a contract.

Desired Qualifications
  • B.A./B.S. and J.D. degrees. California bar membership required
  • At least two years of experience conducting state and/or federal court litigation
  • Two (2) or more years of experience in labor and employment law and/or administrative law practice required; five (5) or more years of relevant experience is required for a Senior staff Attorney and highly desired.
  • Demonstrated commitment to building worker power, including through organizing and legal representation
  • Demonstrated commitment to low-income, immigrant, and/or API/AMEMSA communities
  • Substantive legal experience in labor and employment law and/or administrative law
  • Excellent skills in legal research, analysis, and written and oral advocacy
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases and projects in a timely manner
  • Highly motivated self-starter with a willingness to learn and grow
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with other attorneys, advocates, and community-based organizations
  • Language proficiency in an Asian or Middle Eastern language is a plus

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit via BreezyHR (as PDF attachments) by August 11, 2026


(1) A Cover letter explaining your interest in the position is required

(2) Resume

(3) Writing sample (no more than 10 pages)

(4) Three professional references (including one direct supervisor reference)


Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including HIV, cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, reproductive health decision-making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions) gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim and survivor status, political affiliation, height, weight, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.