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Cia Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

Summary Attorneys at the CIA provide legal advice and policy counsel on a variety of legal issues relating to intelligence and national security law and other routine practices of an executive agency.

Legal Careers

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$93K - $200K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help There are more than a dozen occupations within CIA's Office of General Counsel. These include attorneys in the following practices areas: Employment ...

Bankruptcy Auditor

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$64K/yr

Works with attorneys and other support personnel to estimate, prepare and file claims for various ... PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference may be given to candidates who have completed a CPA or CIA ...

... Attorney General opinions and court decisions; insurance company practices; statistical sampling ... CIA Candidate a plus * PC skills, including experience in using software for producing ...

... Attorney General opinions and court decisions; insurance company practices; statistical sampling ... CIA Candidate a plus * PC skills, including experience in using software for producing ...

... Attorney General opinions and court decisions; insurance company practices; statistical sampling ... CIA Candidate a plus * PC skills, including experience in using software for producing ...

Senior Auditor

Des Moines, IA

$79K - $97K/yr

Proactively monitor claims activity, attorney performance, and financial transactions using data ... Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, CFE, or similar riskbased audit or investigation ...

Senior Auditor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$79K - $97K/yr

Proactively monitor claims activity, attorney performance, and financial transactions using data ... Professional certification such as CIA, CPA, CFE, or similar risk-based audit or investigation ...

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CIA Attorney information

See salary details

$53K

$111.7K

$171K

How much do cia attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for cia attorney in the United States is $111,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How many attorneys work for the CIA?

The CIA employs a small number of attorneys, primarily in legal, compliance, and policy roles, with estimates ranging from a few dozen to over a hundred. These attorneys handle national security law, intelligence oversight, and legal analysis to support agency operations.

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

To thrive as a CIA Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar membership, and strong expertise in national security, intelligence law, and government regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases, classified information handling systems, and compliance protocols is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, discretion, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for navigating complex legal issues, protecting sensitive information, and supporting the agency’s national security mission.

Can you work for the CIA as a lawyer?

A CIA attorney is a legal professional who provides legal advice and support to the agency. To work as a CIA lawyer, candidates typically need a law degree, relevant legal experience, and must undergo a thorough background check and security clearance process. The role often involves handling national security, intelligence law, and classified information.

Is being a CIA lawyer like the recruit?

A CIA attorney is a legal professional working for the Central Intelligence Agency, often involved in national security law, classified information, and compliance with government regulations. Unlike recruits or entry-level positions, CIA lawyers typically have extensive legal experience and may require security clearances and specialized training. The role involves advising on legal matters related to intelligence operations and national security policies.

What are some common challenges faced by CIA Attorneys in their daily work?

CIA Attorneys often navigate complex legal issues that intersect with national security, international law, and classified information. One of the main challenges is ensuring legal compliance and ethical conduct while working on sensitive operations, where guidance can be nuanced and stakes are high. They also must adapt quickly to evolving policies and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including analysts, operatives, and policymakers. Balancing transparency with the need to protect intelligence sources adds an additional layer of complexity to their advisory role.

What are CIA attorneys and what do they do?

CIA attorneys are legal professionals who provide legal advice and support to the Central Intelligence Agency. They help ensure that all CIA operations, policies, and activities comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Their work can include advising on national security issues, privacy laws, employment matters, and international law. CIA attorneys may also represent the agency in legal proceedings, handle contracts, and review proposed legislation for its impact on intelligence operations.

How much money does a CIA lawyer make?

CIA attorneys, or legal professionals working for the Central Intelligence Agency, typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and positions often require specialized legal skills and security clearances.
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Infographic showing various Cia Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,745 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Lateral Attorney

Lateral Attorney

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$143K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary
Attorneys at the CIA provide legal advice and policy counsel on a variety of legal issues relating to intelligence and national security law and other routine practices of an executive agency.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provides legal advice and policy counsel to the Director of the CIA (DCIA) and other CIA officers on a variety of legal issues, to include intelligence and national security law; procurement and acquisition law; employment and personnel law; government ethics; fiscal law; general administrative law; privacy and civil liberties, and legislative affairs.
As an attorney, you will be responsible for:
  • Providing legal advice and policy counsel to CIA leadership on complex areas of law affecting the CIA's duties and responsibilities under authorities including the National Security Act, the CIA Act, and Executive Orders.
  • Conducting legal research and analysis on sensitive matters.
  • Providing training on a variety of laws and policies affecting CIA personnel.
  • Engaging with other Intelligence Community elements, federal agencies, and congressional committees.
  • Maintaining productive working relationships with other OGC and Agency officers to further CIA's mission.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Active membership of the bar (any US jurisdiction).
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
  • Demonstrated experience of at least three years in one or more of OGC's practice areas.

Desired Qualifications
  • All candidates are reviewed for the following competencies:
    • Legal analysis, reasoning and writing, including the ability to effectively integrate and synthesize facts and law to make legally sound decisions, including in compressed timeframes.
    • Interpersonal and communication skills.
    • The ability to work both independently and as a team member in a demanding environment.
    • The ability to exercise sound judgment in challenging situations.
    • Ability to navigate changing circumstances.
    • Ability to effectively manage multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently.
    • Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships inside and outside the CIA.
    • Demonstrated expertise on complex legal matters, and strong client counseling skills, in one or more of the following practice areas: Constitutional Law, Government Contracts, Employment Law, Ethics, Fiscal Law, FOIA, International Law, Investigations, Litigation (Federal), Privacy Law, Operational Law, Surveillance Law, and Tech/Cyber Law.
  • Lateral (or mid-career) hires have more than three years of post-law school experience and work on the most complex legal issues in the Agency.
  • Please note other OGC job postings on CIA.gov tailored to specific practice areas (e.g., government contracts, employment law, etc.). Candidate may apply to a specialty practice area through the tailored job postings. This "Lateral Attorney" job posting is an opportunity for generalist candidates to highlight experience in multiple practice areas.

Education
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  • OGC prefers that lateral attorneys have a law school GPA of at least 3.0 for schools on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent on other scales.

Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.