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Entry Level Federal Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State Bar of California

Attorney III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Distinguishing Characteristics The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the Attorney ... areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law ...

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 · 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 ...

Wright County

Attorney I

Buffalo, MN

$90K - $128K/yr

This position is an entry-level classification which handles assigned cases with readily available ... License to practice in the Federal District Court, Federal District Court for the District of ...

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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.

Entry-level Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Orange, CA

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with a established firm. As the Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Attorney will manage their caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Criminal Defense Team of Attorney's and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

  • Advise client on their legal rights in matters and draw up legal documents about their case
  • Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about best strategies
  • Manage court appearance, trail, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses and performing legal research
  • Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
  • Manage workload of cases
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Accrue additional evidence to support clients case or for arguments against the prosecution's charges
  • Prepare clients for depositions; determine essential goals of case strategy and gather information from witnesses and important experts that support client's positions

Qualifications

  • Experience handling criminal cases at the federal, state and local level
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000

Do you have a passion for Criminal Defense and a desire to practice within an organization with lots of room for growth? Here at The United Firm, we offer benefits (medical, dental and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as an Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within' the legal industry.

The United Firm, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

Apply