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Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Deputy District Attorney

Newport, OR · On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

... entry level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and ... Applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Principles and practices of negotiation ...

Deputy Sheriff - Enforcement

Astoria, OR · On-site

$5.5K - $7.4K/mo

... Attorney, and Sheriff's Offices. The county also administers a road district, a rural law ... THE POSITION Under supervision of the Lieutenant, this position's duties is to enforce federal ...

Entry Level Federal Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$65.6K

$146.4K

$216.2K

How much do entry level federal attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level federal attorney in Oregon is $146,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,700.00 and $170,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Federal Attorney vs Entry Level Public Defender?

AspectEntry Level Federal AttorneyEntry Level Public Defender
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, government offices, federal courtsPublic defender offices, local courts
Employer & IndustryFederal government, legal, criminal justicePublic sector, criminal defense

Both roles require a JD and bar admission, working within the criminal justice system. An Entry Level Federal Attorney typically works for federal agencies handling federal cases, while an Entry Level Public Defender works for public defender offices representing indigent clients in criminal cases at the local level. The main difference lies in the jurisdiction and employer setting, but both are entry-level legal roles in criminal law.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level federal attorneys during their first year on the job?

Entry level federal attorneys often encounter a steep learning curve as they familiarize themselves with complex federal statutes, procedures, and the expectations of their specific agency. Balancing a high volume of casework with ongoing training and adapting to the formalities of federal court can be demanding. Additionally, new attorneys must quickly develop strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills while collaborating with experienced colleagues and supervisors. Building confidence in making legal decisions and managing time effectively are common challenges, but many agencies offer mentorship and professional development resources to support early career attorneys.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level federal attorney?

To thrive as an Entry Level Federal Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, strong legal research and writing skills, and successful completion of a state bar exam. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and knowledge of federal court procedures are typically required. Attention to detail, strong ethical judgment, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for producing high-quality legal work, complying with federal standards, and effectively representing the government’s interests.

What is an entry level federal attorney?

An entry level federal attorney is a licensed lawyer who has recently graduated from law school and works for the federal government, often within agencies like the Department of Justice or other federal departments. These attorneys handle a variety of legal tasks such as researching legal issues, drafting documents, assisting with litigation, and providing legal advice under the supervision of experienced attorneys. Entry level positions are typically filled through programs like the Department of Justice Honors Program or through direct hire into federal agencies. The work provides valuable experience in federal law and public service, and often serves as a stepping stone for a career in government or public interest law.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Oregon?

For Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Entry Level Federal Attorney job openings:

Deputy District Attorney

Lincoln County

Newport, OR • On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position Summary The Lincoln County District Attorney's Office is looking for a Deputy District Attorney 1, 2, or 3 DDA 1: $97,622.00 - $131,196.00 annually* DDA 2: $105,432.00 - $141,693.00 annually* DDA 3: $119,138.00 - $160,112.00 annually* *Lincoln County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education and experience for wage offer. Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage 11% County contribution to 401(k) County funded Health Savings Account (HSA) $40,000 County Paid Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) JOB SUMMARY DDA 1: Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of misdemeanor proceedings in circuit court and is the entry level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies in investigations at all hours of the day and night

DDA 2: Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of misdemeanor and low-level felony proceedings in circuit court and is the mid-level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies in investigations at all hours of the day and night as well as advising, counseling, and conducting special training for Deputy District Attorney 1 and all law enforcement agencies. DDA 3: Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of a specialized caseload of felony and measure 11 offenses.

Those offenses include but are not limited to complex property and financial crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse crimes, assault and homicide and is the advanced level classification in the deputy district attorney series. Provide legal advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies in investigations at all hours of the day and night as well as advising, counseling, and conducting special training for Deputy District Attorney 1 or 2 and all law enforcement agencies. Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities Provide assistance and advice to law enforcement and other partner agencies in investigating misdemeanor cases: Assist and advise law enforcement agencies in applications for arrests and search warrants and assists in drafting these warrants when necessary.

Provide, on a scheduled basis, off hour, 24 hour a day on call service to law enforcement agencies requiring assistance during nights or weekends. Respond to crime scenes if asked by law enforcement agencies and at the direction of the District Attorney and/or Chief Deputy District Attorney. Provide legal information to law enforcement in regards to unattended deaths, releases body or determines if more investigation of a crime is necessary.

Charge and prosecute crimes in Lincoln County: Determine whether investigations are complete and sufficient for charging. Analyze police reports and evidence of search warrant affidavits, review legal issues and request further investigations, if necessary. Interview, prepare, and subpoena witnesses to testify.

Prepare cases and paperwork for filing in the courts. Responsible for negotiating with the defense bar. Alert the District Attorney to potentially high profile or sensitive cases.

Research and draft legal opinions and memoranda in response to defense motions. Initiate motions on behalf of the State of Oregon and litigates pretrial motions. Prosecute misdemeanor cases on behalf of the State.

Evaluate presentence investigation reports, use knowledge of sentencing guidelines, present evidence of witnesses to support sentencing recommendations, and formulate and regulate appropriate sentences based on criminal convictions and other related factors. Provide support and assistance to survivors and victims, with the assistance and coordination of DA Office Victim Assistance. Analyze probation violation reports to determine whether to proceed with probation violation hearings, initiate and prosecute probation revocations arising out of felony convictions.

Prosecute violations of diversion agreements. Prepare for and appear in hearings, trials, court arraignments, and other miscellaneous proceedings, covering for other attorneys, when necessary. Typical Qualifications EDUCATION DDA 1/2/3: A Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school.

EXPERIENCE DDA 1: None DDA 2: Two to three years progressively difficult and complex experiences as a trial attorney. DDA 3: Four to five years progressively difficult and complex experiences as a trial attorney. Driver's License: Oregon Driver's License required within 30 days of hire.

Other Licenses: Member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing at the time of the appointment. Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Principles and practices of negotiation of conflict resolution.

Judicial procedure and rules of evidence. Basic principles of forensics, principals of psychology and psychiatry related to criminal behavior, laws relating to forfeiture of property by felons. Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management and performance evaluation.

Skill or ability to: Identify and recommend realistic alternative solutions to problems. Organize, interpret and apply legal principal. Analyze facts, evidence and precedence, properly interpret evaluate and make decisions in accordance with the law.

Research, analyze and prepare legal documents, draft complex legal papers, reports and memoranda, set forth findings of facts and decisions in concise written form. Effectively and persuasively argue facts, evidence precedence and recommendations to judges and juries. Present cases to the court skillfully and at a level sufficient to meet opposing counsel.

Withstand intense pressures of trial practice. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. For more information or to obtain the full job description, please reach out to jobs@co.lincoln.or.us