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Apprentice Lawyer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Mechanic

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School Diploma or GED required (completion of an apprenticeship program or technical degree ... and lawyers. We value diversity and believe in forming teams in which everyone can be their ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and lawyers. We value diversity and believe in forming teams in which everyone can be their ... High School Diploma or GED required (completion of an apprenticeship program or technical degree ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School Diploma or GED required (completion of an apprenticeship program or technical degree ... and lawyers. We value diversity and believe in forming teams in which everyone can be their ...

Apprentice Lawyer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice lawyer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice lawyer in Reston, VA is $22.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice lawyer?

Apprentice lawyers, also known as law clerks or articling students in some regions, are individuals who are training to become fully qualified attorneys. They typically work under the supervision of experienced lawyers, gaining hands-on experience in legal research, drafting documents, and assisting with cases. This apprenticeship period is a critical step in legal education and is often required before taking the bar exam or obtaining a law license. The specific duties and duration of the apprenticeship can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

What does an apprentice lawyer do?

As an Apprentice Lawyer, you will typically assist senior lawyers with legal research, drafting documents, preparing case files, and attending client meetings or court proceedings. Your daily work may include reviewing case law, summarizing legal findings, and helping prepare briefs or contracts. You’ll also gain exposure to various legal practice areas depending on your firm, and often rotate through departments to broaden your experience. Collaboration with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff is common, and you’ll be encouraged to ask questions and seek feedback to accelerate your learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice lawyer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Lawyer, you need a solid understanding of legal principles, strong research and writing abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in law or related field. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is often required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing caseloads and interacting with clients or senior lawyers. These skills and qualities are essential for accurately supporting legal work, meeting deadlines, and building a successful legal career.

What is the difference between Apprentice Lawyer vs Paralegal?

AspectApprentice LawyerParalegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree (JD), bar exam eligibility, legal trainingAssociate degree or certificate in paralegal studies, no law degree required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, legal departments, often under supervision of attorneysLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, supporting attorneys
Employer & Industry UsageLegal firms, government, judiciary, training role for future lawyers

Apprentice Lawyers are individuals training to become licensed attorneys, often working under supervision while completing their legal education. Paralegals assist lawyers with legal tasks but do not require a law degree or bar exam. While both roles support legal work, Apprentice Lawyers are in a training phase aiming for licensure, whereas Paralegals are support staff with specialized training but no legal license.

How to get into a law apprenticeship?

To become an apprentice lawyer, you typically need to complete relevant legal education such as a law degree or equivalent qualification, and gain practical experience through internships or work placements. Many apprenticeship programs also require passing certain assessments or obtaining certifications, and applicants should demonstrate strong communication and analytical skills. Entry requirements vary by jurisdiction and employer, so researching specific programs is recommended.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lawyer jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Lawyer jobs in Reston, VA are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Lawyer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,654 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$126K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud.
Do you desire to be a part of the vibrant United States immigrant admission process, to protect American interests and to secure our nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, United States Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS), and its Office of the Chief Counsel are calling!
This is not an immigration law position.Qualifications:The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/10/2026.
THIS IS NOT AN IMMIGRATION LAW POSITION as experience regarding immigration issues will not qualify you for this non-immigration law position.
You qualify at the GS-15 level if you: are currently an attorney in federal employment with the equivalent of being a GS-14 and at least one year experience at that level, or if not a federal employee and you have at least three years of post-J.D. professional legal experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.M. degree from an ABA-accredited law school or serve a legal apprenticeship in California, Virginia, Vermont, or Washington and pass the bar exam in order to be permitted to practice law in one (1) of those jurisdictions.
Bar Requirement GS-15: Be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction).
All applicants will be rated against the following factors:
  • Ability to resolve questions and provide accurate legal advice to both attorneys and non-attorneys on complex legal matters.
  • Ability to handle a heavy workload and meet deadlines.
  • Legal aptitude as reflected in the resume provided.
  • Quality of writing sample not to exceed 10 pages.
  • Quality of the cover letter addressed to OCC summarizing interest in the position not to exceed 1 page.
  • Quality of recommendations provided (No more than 3 recommendations total).

Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 08/10/2026. You must upload your resume under the "Resume" category. Resumes submitted under the "Other Documents" category will not be considered. Your most recently submitted resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
  • Employer's name and address
  • Supervisor name and phone number
  • Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
  • Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Salary
Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.
Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Promotional Potential: This position starts at the 15, depending on such factors as the selectee's experience and current salary, and has promotion potential to the GS-15/10. When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
Education:EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.
Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.M. degree from an ABA-accredited law school or serve a legal apprenticeship in California, Virginia, Vermont, or Washington and pass the bar exam in order to be permitted to practice law in one (1) of those jurisdictions.
Bar Requirement GS-15: Be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction).
Do you possess a J.D. or LL.M.? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. Your foreign education accreditation must come from an evaluation service that is endorsed by the Association of International Credential Evaluators or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Failure to provide foreign accreditation from one of these organizations will result in removal from consideration.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003