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Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

McGuireWoods LLP

Paralegal

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

... an entry-level paralegal to join its team in Raleigh, NC. The paralegal will assist attorneys in ... The paralegal will work primarily in the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, but also ...

All JobsEntry Level Federal Attorney JobsEntry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Entry Level Federal Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$60.3K

$134.6K

$198.8K

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

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level federal attorney in Raleigh, NC is $134,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $157,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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 Raleigh, NC? For Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Federal Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,562 per year, or $64.7 per hour.
Paralegal

Paralegal

McGuireWoods LLP

Raleigh, NC • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview

The firm's Appeals and Issues group is looking for an entry-level paralegal to join its team in Raleigh, NC. The paralegal will assist attorneys in high stakes litigation, focusing on the appellate process.  The paralegal will work primarily in the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, but also in state appellate courts. The paralegal will be heavily involved in the briefing process and will develop an expertise in rules of appellate procedure.

McGuireWoods, one of the world's leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities
  • Assist attorneys with drafting and cite-checking legal documents to include pleadings, briefs, appendices, and motions.
  • Manage case files on paper and online.
  • E-file and arrange for hand-filing of all types of documents in federal and state court.
  • Interact with court clerks and other paralegals to gather information.
  • Conduct research to assist attorneys with case-related information.
  • Coordinate case intake and managing court deadlines.
  • Maintain and update trackers for cases on appeal.
  • Prepare for and attend appellate oral arguments.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required (anticipated spring 2026 graduates encouraged to apply).
  • Strong academic performance in school.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Interest in exploring the possibility of attending law school in the future is a plus.
  • Willingness and desire to work with innovative technology platforms - our employees also have access to Harvey, a legal-specific AI tool that reduces time spent on routine tasks, allowing you to focus on more meaningful, high-impact work.

Have more questions?  Connect with a recruiter directly. #LI-ER1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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