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Dea Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Dea Attorney information

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$67K

$155.7K

$360.5K

How much do dea attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for dea attorney in the United States is $155,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $175,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the DEA pay good?

DEA agents typically receive competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location, with federal pay scales and benefits included. Entry-level agents often start with a salary around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, increasing with seniority and specialized skills. The position also offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for advancement.

What types of cases and daily responsibilities can I expect as a DEA Attorney?

As a DEA Attorney, your work will primarily focus on prosecuting cases related to drug enforcement laws, handling complex criminal investigations, and providing legal guidance on matters involving controlled substances. You may collaborate closely with special agents, investigators, and other federal prosecutors to build cases and ensure all legal protocols are followed. Daily responsibilities often include reviewing evidence, drafting legal documents, preparing for court appearances, and participating in strategy meetings. This role offers the opportunity to work in a structured, team-oriented environment and contribute significantly to national law enforcement efforts. Career progression may lead to supervisory positions or specialization in areas such as drug policy or international law enforcement coordination.

What does a DEA Attorney do?

A DEA Attorney is a lawyer who works for or with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), handling legal matters related to drug enforcement. Their responsibilities may include prosecuting drug-related crimes, advising agents on legal issues, handling asset forfeitures, and ensuring compliance with federal laws. They may also represent the DEA in court proceedings and work with other law enforcement agencies.

Is it hard to get a job at the DEA?

Getting a job as a DEA agent is competitive and requires meeting strict qualifications, including a background check, physical fitness, and relevant education or experience. Candidates often undergo a multi-step process involving written exams, interviews, and drug testing, and must pass a thorough background investigation. Strong communication skills, integrity, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures are essential for success.

Is DEA under hiring freeze?

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) periodically adjusts its hiring based on federal budget allocations and operational needs. As of now, there is no publicly confirmed nationwide hiring freeze, but specific recruitment efforts may be temporarily paused or limited. Job seekers should check the DEA's official careers page for the most current updates on open positions and hiring status.

Does the DEA have lawyers?

Yes, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) employs attorneys who handle legal matters related to drug enforcement policies, compliance, and administrative proceedings. DEA lawyers often have backgrounds in criminal law, administrative law, or federal regulations and may work in legal advisory roles or represent the agency in legal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Dea Attorney position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DEA Attorney, you need an in-depth understanding of federal criminal law, investigative procedures, and strong advocacy skills, typically backed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a license to practice law. Familiarity with case management software, evidence tracking systems, and possibly security clearance processes is highly beneficial. Excellent analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative communication are crucial soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure effective prosecution, compliance with legal standards, and successful coordination with law enforcement agencies.

More about Dea Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Dea Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Dea Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dea Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Dea Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Dea Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Dea Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dea Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,685 per year, or $74.8 per hour.

$85K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary
For more information on the Department of Justice, visit http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html
For more information on the United States Attorney's Office, District of Colorado, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/co/
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
This position is located in Denver, Colorado
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The United States is currently facing significant law enforcement challenges to include addressing a variety of violent crimes, eliminating cartels and transnational organized crime, combating criminal consequences of illegal immigration and ending illegal trafficking of drugs and human beings. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado is currently accepting
applications for Assistant United States Attorney positions to work in the Violent Crime Section (VCS) and the Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section(TOCML). These attorneys must be devoted to justice, excellence, fairness, and representing the public. We are seeking talented applicants with professional and life experiences that will enable
them to work collaboratively with law enforcement to combat these challenges. Applicants with skills in the areas of communication, financial analysis, teamwork, and problem solving are encouraged to apply. AUSAs in these sections truly are part of the investigative teams. If selected, you will work closely with agents from the DEA, FBI, IRS, HSI, ATF, ICE and other
state and federal agencies to develop investigative strategies, employ sophisticated surveillance techniques, and shape cases from their inception. AUSAs in these sections also enjoy fast-paced litigation practices that will frequently get them on their feet in US District Court.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
United States citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Highly desired are: excellent writing, speaking, and analytical skills; interest in and dedication to public service; interest in handling a wide variety of challenging cases on behalf of the United States of America; and the ability to work well both independently and on teams.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $85,573 to $197,100 which includes 30.52% locality pay.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
* * *
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Travel: Occasional travel within and outside the District will be required.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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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
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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.