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Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Town of Parker

Assistant Town Attorney I/II

Parker, CO · On-site

$102K - $137K/yr

Assistant Town Attorney I This entry-level Assistant Town Attorney position handles a broad range ... and federal constitutional law, zoning and land use, liquor licensing, taxation, open records ...

Town of Parker, CO

Assistant Town Attorney I/II

Parker, CO · On-site

$102K - $137K/yr

Assistant Town Attorney I This entry-level Assistant Town Attorney position handles a broad range ... and federal constitutional law, zoning and land use, liquor licensing, taxation, open records ...

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 ...

MyFlorida

Attorney

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

... Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules. * Ability to employ legal ...

State of Florida

Attorney

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

... Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules. * Ability to employ legal ...

State of Florida

Attorney

Tallahassee, FL

... Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules. * Ability to employ legal ...

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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 Jun 13, 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, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Immigration Attorney

Defender Association of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an experienced, organized and dedicated immigration attorney to join our Community Defense Unit. This unit provides direct legal services in immigration law matters through the representation of clients in immigration court hearings, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and Federal Court, and filings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. The Community Defense Unit also provides immigration analysis and advice to our attorneys for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. In addition, the Community Defense Unit serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney must have a demonstrated commitment to defending and promoting the rights of immigrants as well as strong research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.


What You’ll Do

  • Represent clients in removal proceedings before EOIR Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Court
  • Represent clients at interviews before USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Conduct research and prepare legal memos and briefs for immigration clients, including affirmative filings with USCIS, CPT, ICE and U.S. Department of State
  • Conduct immigration interviews and consultations, including interviews of clients in custody
  • Collect and Maintain data related to direct representation of clients in immigration law matters


Funding Contingent Responsibilities:

  • Consult directly with Defender Association trial attorneys and staff representing immigration clients in criminal court
  • Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff
  • Serve as an office resource for immigration-related questions


What You’ll Need

  • Juris Doctorate Degree required; Admission to PA Bar required.
  • Admission to practice in the Federal Courts required.
  • At least three (3) years of experience representing individuals in removal proceedings and before USCIS, preferred.
  • Fluency in Spanish, preferred.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, required.
  • Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
  • Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment
  • Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

Salary

  • Entry-Level (Recent Graduate): $73,000 per year.
  • Experience Credit: We value your background. The base rate increases by $1,500 for each year of relevant post-bar experience (including legal aid, judicial clerkships, and immigration law).

Benefits & Perks

  • Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
  • Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
  • Retirement Savings Employer Match
  • Paid eight weeks of parental leave
  • Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
  • Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
  • Impactful mission driven work
  • Wellness Benefits
  • Ongoing Training and Development of You

This position as an Immigration Attorney is funded by a sub-award contract with Nationalities Services Center and under its terms, the position’s scope of work is exclusively related to those duties specified in major responsibilities. The funding, and thus this position ends on June 30, 2027, unless the Defenders gets continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date. If funding becomes available from other sources, the Defender further hopes to expand the responsibilities of the immigration attorney to include those specified in the funding contingent responsibility section to ensure a more complete and integrated unit.


Application:

Please submit an online application with detailed cover letter and writing sample (maximum 20 pages)

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.




The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.