If you want a career where your legal skills actually make a difference, government attorney jobs could be a smart fit.
You’d work on issues that impact the public—protecting rights, enforcing laws, and so on.
Government attorneys usually get job stability, meaningful work, and lots of opportunities to grow in different legal areas.
Your path might start with roles in local, state, or federal agencies.
Each offers its own flavor of legal work.
Most of these jobs want you to be an active bar member and have some legal experience.
If you want to see what’s open now or dig into requirements, check out official sites like the Department of Justice legal careers.
Knowing what government attorneys actually do—and how to get there—can help you plan your next move.
There’s a reason this career attracts so many people who want to serve the public and use their law degree for good.
See the other top US government jobs on our list here.
Overview of Government Attorney Careers
Government attorney jobs come in all shapes and sizes across different agencies and fields.
You can work at any level of government and focus on legal areas that interest you.
These careers usually offer steady pay, good benefits, and the satisfaction of serving the public.
Types of Government Attorney Positions
You’ll find several types of attorney roles depending on the agency and focus.
Common positions include trial attorneys who handle cases in court.
Others work as attorney-advisors, giving legal advice to government offices.
Some attorneys investigate and enforce laws, while others review policy or contracts.
Agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) hire attorneys for criminal prosecutions, civil rights, and more.
You’ll also see different levels of seniority, from entry-level to experienced counsel.
Your career path might start in one area and shift as you gain experience.
Federal, State, and Local Opportunities
You can go for the federal government, with agencies like the DOJ and other departments.
These jobs are competitive and often let you work on national issues.
State governments hire attorneys to handle state laws, legal aid, or prosecution.
Local government attorneys might focus on city or county legal matters, like land use or municipal codes.
Federal jobs usually pay more and offer better benefits, but working for state or local government can be just as rewarding—sometimes it’s closer to home, too.
Each level has its own hiring process, so knowing your target helps your job search.
Practice Areas in Public Sector Law
In government law, you’ll see practice areas like criminal law, civil rights, environmental law, and labor law.
Some attorneys work on government contracts or public corruption cases.
You might specialize in immigration law, healthcare regulations, or national security.
Others focus on personnel rules or ethics compliance.
With so much variety, you can match your skills and interests to a specialty.
The public sector offers stable careers, good benefits, and some of the best government jobs in 2025.
Pathways, Qualifications, and Work Environment
If you’re looking into government attorney careers, you’ll find different ways to get started, clear requirements, and a work setting where your legal work matters.
You’ll also need to figure out the best way to find and apply for these roles.
Career Paths for Law Students and New Graduates
Law students and new grads have special programs designed to help them break into government law.
The Attorney Honors Program at the Department of Justice, for example, is open to rising 3Ls and recent grads.
Judicial clerkships or legal fellowships also help you build skills and boost your resume.
Summer legal internships or clerkships give you real experience and often lead to entry-level jobs.
Agencies use these programs to see if you’re a good fit for full-time work.
You’ll usually need to apply early and meet specific qualification standards.
Essential Legal Experience and Education
To qualify for these jobs, you’ll need a law degree from an accredited school and bar admission.
Many positions want you to have some legal experience—think judicial clerkships, summer internships, or related practice.
Strong research and writing skills matter a lot, as does a good grasp of government regulations.
Agencies often stick to qualification standards from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Some roles look for experience with complex legal issues or administrative law.
Work Environment, Responsibilities, and Benefits
Government attorneys tackle a variety of legal matters—policy, litigation, and regulatory compliance, to name a few.
You might draft legal documents, advise officials, or represent the government in court.
The environment’s usually professional and pretty team-focused.
You could work in Washington, D.C., or in regional offices across the country.
Benefits often include competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and training opportunities.
Many attorneys find the work rewarding because it really does impact the public.
Finding and Applying for Positions
You’ll mostly find government attorney jobs on USAJOBS, the official federal site.
Always check job announcements closely for qualifications and deadlines.
Make sure your application includes a detailed resume, cover letter, and any required writing samples.
Highlight your legal experience, like clerkships or internships.
Agencies follow strict hiring rules, so stay organized and start your search early to boost your chances.
Networking with current government attorneys or going to public service career fairs can help, too.
For the official word on hiring programs, check out the Pathways Programs Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need certain qualifications and some knowledge of job openings to start your career as a government attorney.
Different agencies offer different roles, and some places have more options than others.
Knowing about jobs at places like the FBI and how to apply is pretty important.
Remote work is sometimes possible, but it really depends on the role and agency.
What are the qualifications required for entry-level government attorney jobs?
You generally need a law degree and must pass the bar.
Most agencies also require a background check and drug test.
Some jobs ask for U.S. citizenship and decent credit standing.
How can I find federal government attorney jobs near my location?
You can search for jobs on official government sites like USAJobs.
Many agencies let you filter by state or city.
You can also reach out to recruiters through agency career pages.
What positions are available for lawyers at the FBI?
The FBI hires attorneys for roles in criminal law, national security, and legal advice.
Some work as staff attorneys advising agents, while others prosecute cases.
You’ll find FBI job openings on their careers site.
What are the best government sectors to work in as an attorney?
Top picks include the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and agencies like the FDIC.
You’ll find roles in prosecution, defense, or regulatory work.
Choose what fits your interests—criminal law, civil law, or maybe policy.
Is remote work commonly available for federal attorney positions?
Remote work depends on the agency and the job.
Some positions allow part-time or full-time telework, but others need you onsite because of the sensitive nature of the work.
Always check the job announcement for details.
How does one secure a job with the Department of Justice as an attorney?
Start by applying through the Department’s Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
They look for candidates who have solid legal skills and a clean record.
You’ll need to pass a background check, a credit check, and a drug test before you get hired.
Check out the DOJ careers page to see what positions are open right now.