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Entry Level Government Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

ATTORNEY I

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

SPC03 Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120 Job Summary The Attorney I is an entry-level legal position within the state government, responsible for providing legal research, analysis, and support on ...

State of Arkansas

ATTORNEY I

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

SPC03 Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120 Job Summary The Attorney I is an entry-level legal position within the state government, responsible for providing legal research, analysis, and support on ...

Yavapai County, AZ

Attorney - County Attorney (Countywide)

AZ · On-site

$153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary range is $85,793.16 (entry level) to $153,917.48 (highly experienced) depending on ... EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Yavapai County Government offers a comprehensive employee benefits package to ...

Garver

Associate Attorney

Fayetteville, AR

Role: Entry-Level Attorney - Associate Attorney (0-2 years) Location: Fayetteville, AR (On-site ... or government/federal contracting. * Familiarity with risk allocation provisions (indemnity ...

Garver

Associate Attorney

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

Role: Entry-Level Attorney - Associate Attorney (0-2 years) Location: Fayetteville, AR (On-site ... or government/federal contracting. * Familiarity with risk allocation provisions (indemnity ...

City of Hayward, CA

Deputy City Attorney I

Hayward, CA · On-site

$151K - $183K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

While prior litigation or government experience is not required, the successful candidate ... Deputy City Attorney I - This is an entry level class in the Attorney series. Positions in this ...

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Staff Attorney

San Angelo, TX · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... agencies of government. The staff attorney also interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for ... SALARY: Current entry-level salary for a new attorney is $73,815 per year. The salary for the ...

City of Gresham

Assistant City Attorney Senior

Gresham, OR · Hybrid

$113K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Overview The City of Gresham's City Attorney's Office is seeking to add an entry-level or ... government. The City Attorney's Office values work-life balance, flexibility, and supports a ...

City of Gresham, OR

Assistant City Attorney Senior

Gresham, OR · On-site

$113K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... government. The City Attorney's Office values work-life balance, flexibility, and supports a ... The Assistant City Attorney is the entry-level classification in the City Attorney series: The ...

City of Hayward

Deputy City Attorney I

Hayward, CA · On-site

$151K - $183K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

While prior litigation or government experience is not required, the successful candidate ... Deputy City Attorney I - This is an entry level class in the Attorney series. Positions in this ...

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All JobsLegal JobsAttorneys JobsEntry Level Government Attorney Jobs

Entry Level Government Attorney information

See salary details

$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level government attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level government attorney do?

An entry level government attorney typically provides legal advice, drafts legal documents, and represents government agencies in court or administrative hearings. Their duties may include conducting legal research, reviewing regulations, interpreting laws, and ensuring compliance with government policies. These attorneys often work on cases involving public interest, regulatory enforcement, or administrative law, and they may assist more senior attorneys on complex legal matters. Entry level roles are ideal for recent law graduates seeking experience in public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level government attorney?

To thrive as an Entry Level Government Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid state bar license, and a solid understanding of legal research, writing, and litigation procedures. Familiarity with legal databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and government compliance systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in interpreting laws, drafting documents, and advising government agencies. These skills ensure accurate legal guidance, uphold public policy, and support the effective operation of governmental legal functions.

What types of cases and responsibilities can an entry level government attorney expect to handle in their first year?

As an entry level government attorney, you can expect to work on a variety of cases that may include legal research, drafting memoranda, assisting with litigation, and helping senior attorneys with document review. You might also represent the government in administrative hearings or help prepare legal opinions for agency staff. Collaboration with colleagues from different departments is common, providing valuable experience in teamwork and public service. The workload is often fast-paced, but offers excellent opportunities to develop foundational legal skills and gain exposure to a broad range of public sector legal issues.

What is the difference between Entry Level Government Attorney vs Entry Level Public Defender?

AspectEntry Level Government AttorneyEntry Level Public Defender
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, legal departmentsPublic defense offices, courts
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local governmentPublic defender offices, criminal justice
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level government legal rolesRelated to criminal defense in government

Entry Level Government Attorneys and Entry Level Public Defenders both require a JD and bar admission, working within government legal settings. While government attorneys may work in various agencies handling diverse legal matters, public defenders focus specifically on criminal defense for indigent clients. Both roles serve public interests but differ in their specific responsibilities and work environments.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Government Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Government Attorney job openings:

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

The most popular types of Government Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Government Attorney jobs?

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

Entry Level Government Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Government Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Assistant County Attorney - Municipal Law Bureau

Suffolk County Government

Hauppauge, NY • On-site

$84K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Suffolk County (New York) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

572nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Suffolk County Attorney's Office is searching for attorneys to handle complex legal issues relating to the operation of Suffolk County government in its Municipal Law Bureau.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Handle a wide variety of matters related to the operation of County government including contract negotiation and drafting, procurement compliance, analysis of legislation for constitutional, statutory and policy concerns,

  • Provide legal guidance to County departments, and researching legal viability and compliance issues regarding County programs.

  • Involved in the ground-level operation of County government and will be required to attend meetings of County agencies and committees and advise them on their operations.

Benefits For You Now And Your Future

  • Health Insurance: Suffolk offers a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Pension

  • Overall, county government jobs offer a combination of competitive benefits and job security, making them an attractive option for many job seekers.

  • Paid Time Off: Vacation (2 weeks to start) is accrued based on length of service; sick leave allows employees to taketime off for illness without sacrificing pay; personal days can be used for a variety of reasons; and thirteen (13) paid holidays.

  • Work-Life Balance: County jobs offer regular working hours, reducing the need for overtime or irregular shifts. This helps employees maintain a good work-life balance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in the practice of Municipal Law

**Sponsorship is not available for this role

*This position does not offer relocation assistance at this time

**Remote work is not available for this role

Salary Range: $84,250 to $125,175

Schedule: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

NOTE: We are seeking attorney's for entry level positions who are recent law school graduates with strong academic records, and who have either taken the July 2024 New York State Bar Examination or are planning to sit for the February or July 2025 exam.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

  • A strong work ethic

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

  • Excellent judgment, exceptional organizational abilities, strong leadership skills and strong interpersonal skills.

  • Work collaboratively with County Attorney staff, other attorneys, court staff and employees in all County departments in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

Applicants should have a commitment to public service, a capacity for fairness, a strong work ethic and sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Suffolk County's Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:

  • Our focus is to promote, support, and implement the County-wide diversity and inclusion strategic plan.
  • We achieve results in all our responsibilities through the use of diversity and inclusion best practices.
  • We maintain a familiarity with Diversity & Inclusion trends and best practices.

Suffolk County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability that can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

What Suffolk County (New York) employees say

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