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Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Portland, OR

Davis Rothwell Earle & Xochihua P.C.

Legal Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with Washington state and federal courts is helpful. The candidate must have excellent ... attorney calendars, and docketing, transcribing recorded dictation, as well as the ability to ...

All JobsFederal Attorney JobsEntry Level Federal Attorney JobsEntry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Federal Attorney information

See Portland, OR salary details

$65.8K

$146.8K

$216.9K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level federal attorney in Portland, OR is $146,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,100.00 and $171,300.00 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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Portland, OR are:

Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Federal Attorney job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,803 per year, or $70.6 per hour.

Legal Assistant

Davis Rothwell Earle & Xochihua P.C.

Portland, OR • On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Davis Rothwell Earle & Xóchihua P.C., a mid-sized insurance defense law firm in downtown Portland, is seeking an experienced legal secretary/assistant with Oregon state and federal court e-filing background. Experience with Washington state and federal courts is helpful. The candidate must have excellent secretarial and organizational skills; first-rate grammar and communication abilities; experience in managing case files, attorney calendars, and docketing, transcribing recorded dictation, as well as the ability to effectively interact with others. Use of Microsoft Word is required; experience with ProLaw is a definite plus. The position is full-time, with competitive salary and benefits.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability, 100% employer-paid premium options, health savings account, and 401(k) with employer contribution. We also offer a paid time off policy and the firm has a 37.5/hour work week for this position. Entry-level salary range $40,000-$60,000, plus discretionary bonuses.