ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pimacounty

Attorney I - County Attorney

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$84K - $161K/yr

Incumbents perform entry level and/or intermediate level legal work in the area assigned for either ... Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony ...

Community Tax, LLC

PR · Hybrid

Some working knowledge in state and federal tax law is a plus but is not required. Full time ... Ideal is an Entry Level L icensed Attorney with some tax or accounting/finance experience or ...

The Silas William Corporation

Be Seen First

Enviromental/Conservation Attorney

Roseburg, OR · On-site

$8.5K - $12K/mo

Collaborate using document sharing and communication tools Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level ... We specialize in Global, Federal projects with unique nuances pertaining especially to our own ...

New

State Bar of California

Attorney I/II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Distinguishing Characteristics The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the attorney ... Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEntry Level Federal Attorney Jobs

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 Jul 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 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.
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:
Entry Level Federal Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Federal Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 17% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 33% Contract, and 3% Nights. 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.

Attorney I - County Attorney

Pima County Government

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$82K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary
Department - County AttorneyJob Description
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A REGISTER for current and future ATTORNEY I - UNCLASSIFIED vacancies which serves all levels/assignments of Attorney in the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the Pima County Attorney's Office.
A RESUME, COVER LETTER AND WRITING SAMPLE ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH A COMPLETED APPLICATION. Applications will be considered incomplete without a resume and writing sample.
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Type: Classified: 3001 - Attorney I
Salary Grade: A2
Pay Range
Pay Range: $82,472 - $156,686 Annually
Range Explanation:
  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

Coordinates and conducts professional legal work in units within the Office of the Pima County Attorney. Incumbents perform entry level and/or intermediate level legal work in the area assigned for either criminal or civil cases. Attorneys at this level prepare, defend or prosecute, and resolve entry level to advanced-level licensed professional legal work. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties. More experienced attorneys in this classification work more independently under the general supervision of higher-level attorney personnel.
This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.
For more information about the Pima County Attorney's Office, please visit their website at: http://www.pcao.pima.gov/.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
  • Prosecutes or defends a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases;
  • Represents County departments, boards and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters;
  • Engages in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and complies with Victims' Rights;
  • Engages in pretrial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice as required by cases;
  • Prepares litigation, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conducts bench and jury trials;
  • Researches legal questions;
  • Researches and drafts legal motions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents;
  • Reviews, evaluates, and participates in investigations;
  • Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility;
  • Upholds the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.

Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing. Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. All positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently observes details at close range. Frequently speaks to clients, witnesses, and other case involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in-person and/or on the phone. Regularly works in a professional office setting. Occasionally drives to conduct field work. Occasionally must lift and carry items. Occasionally remains in a stationary position. Occasionally moves about inside an office. Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Speaking Activity - in person and on the phone; Vision - operate a motor vehicle
Working Conditions: Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Regularly receives and responds to telephone calls, text messages and emails. Drives to visit clients and witnesses at residence or at jail, and other locations to speak with other case involved parties. Working conditions will be determined by position.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply