2

Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Federal Attorney information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$64.1K

$143.1K

$211.4K

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level federal attorney in Silver Spring, MD is $143,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,200.00 and $167,000.00 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 Silver Spring, MD? For Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Labor And Employment Attorney Washington, DC

Sociable Society Talent

Washington, DC

$180K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description


Position: Labor & Employment Attorney


Sign-on bonus: $20,000


Compensation range: $180,000-$300,000






Rapidly growing management-side labor and employment law firm seeks a highly motivated Labor & Employment Attorney to support and expand its nationwide private-sector practice. This opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurial attorneys who want substantial responsibility, direct client exposure, meaningful courtroom experience, and the ability to independently manage sophisticated matters rather than operate within a heavily layered institutional environment.



The firm represents employers across a broad range of industries in complex labor relations, employment litigation, workplace investigations, compliance counseling, and strategic business advisory matters. Attorneys will work directly with leadership and clients on high-impact legal issues involving federal, state, and administrative employment laws.

This position offers a unique opportunity for both experienced labor and employment attorneys seeking elevated responsibility and long-term growth, as well as exceptional early-career attorneys with strong litigation aptitude, academic credentials, and a demonstrated interest in management-side employment law.


Responsibilities Include:

• Defending employers in federal and state employment litigation matters involving claims arising under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, and related state and local employment statutes.

• Handling traditional labor law matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, union avoidance strategies, unfair labor practice proceedings, and NLRB matters.

• Conducting and defending depositions, managing written discovery, drafting dispositive motions, and preparing cases for arbitration, mediation, and trial.

• Drafting EEOC and administrative agency position statements, arbitration briefs, employment agreements, workplace policies, and compliance-related documentation.

• Advising employers on employee relations matters, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, reductions in force, wage and hour compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Managing client relationships and serving as a strategic advisor to business owners, executives, and HR leadership teams.


Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

• Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 2–12+ years of labor and employment law experience, preferably on the management side, though exceptional entry-level attorneys with strong academic credentials, law review, clerkship, litigation, or employment law internship experience are encouraged to apply.



• Demonstrated legal writing, analytical, advocacy, and oral communication skills.

• Experience or familiarity with employment litigation, labor relations, administrative proceedings, or workplace counseling matters preferred.

• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial legal environment.

• Deposition, hearing, arbitration, mediation, and federal court experience is highly valued for more senior candidates.

• Industry experience involving healthcare, hospitality, transportation, aviation, manufacturing, construction, or multi-state employers is a plus.

• Willingness to travel periodically for hearings, arbitrations, litigation, and client matters.


Compensation & Opportunity:

• Compensation structure designed to be highly competitive with major metropolitan labor and employment markets, with total compensation potential ranging from approximately $180,000–$280,000+ depending on experience, business development capabilities, litigation background, and overall qualifications.

• Opportunity for substantial hands-on litigation experience, direct mentorship, accelerated career growth, and long-term leadership potential within a growing practice.

• Ideal environment for attorneys seeking greater autonomy, meaningful client interaction, and sophisticated legal work without the bureaucracy of a large institutional firm.