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Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Attorney

Riverside, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Fontana, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Long Beach, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Oakland, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Glendale, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Junior Attorney

Stockton, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

100% REMOTE Contract to Hire Entry Level Attorney / Associate Attorney Needed for Growing Firm ... It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Federal Attorney information

See salary details

$62K

$138.4K

$204.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level federal attorney in the United States is $138,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Federal Attorney job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Attorney jobs?

The most popular types of Federal Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Federal Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,427 per year, or $66.6 per hour.

ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY - 60072248

State of Florida

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Requisition No: 883170 

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY - 60072248

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 60072248 

Salary:  $69,240.08 

Posting Closing Date: 10/01/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Children’s Legal Services

Department of Children and Families

Jacksonville, FL

Open Competitive

What you will do:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN!

Children’s Legal Services attorneys advocate for the safety, well-being, and permanency of Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children.  With a team of more than 300 attorneys, CLS is the leader in the courtroom at each stage of a Chapter 39 proceeding.

A CLS attorney has primary responsibility for multiple cases and must ensure Florida and federal legal requirements are met to secure permanent and safe homes for dependent children.  A CLS attorney collaborates with investigators and case managers to gather the evidence necessary to support the legal action that is appropriate for each child and prepares those partners to serve as witnesses at trial. CLS attorneys advocate for children by employing best practice litigation techniques so that our pleadings and trial presentations lead the nation in dependency advocacy.

Qualifications:

  • Law Degree

Training Provided:

  • Multi-week onboarding program created by a CLS-dedicated Statewide Training Team
  • Quarterly intensive multi-day New Attorney Training focusing on practical skills and litigation tactics
  • Annual multi-day Advanced Litigation Academy that coaches new and experienced attorneys on high-level evidence techniques, expert witness challenges, and advocacy through technology.
  • Fulfillment of all CLE requirements through webinars and live trainings on topics including case law updates, statutory changes, courtroom skills, evidence, ethics, and legal writing

Benefits for Working for the State of Florida:

  • Florida Bar annual dues are paid for by the Department, contingent upon agency approval
  • Public Loan Forgiveness Program
  • No state income tax for residents of Florida
  • On each anniversary date, you will be accredited 176 hours of annual leave and 104 hours of sick leave
  • Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
  • State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options)
  • Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition waivers
  • And more!

Compensation:

For a full-time permanent appointment, the annual base salary for an attorney is $69,240.08 and total compensation inclusive of the benefits listed above is valued at a minimum of $97,679.  Actual total compensation will vary based on insurance and retirement elections.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit an online application that includes a cover letter and a resume that demonstrates your qualifications. You may be requested to subsequently provide a writing sample, law school transcripts, and references to assist the committee.

Growth Opportunities:

We have several ways you can grow as an attorney with CLS.  There are pathways for promotion for those who want to be leaders in the courtroom and for those who would rather be leaders in the office.  To open the door for growth, CLS invites all of its team members to participate on special projects that create strategies for better outcomes for children. 

Come grow with us today!

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.