2

Entry Level Transactional Attorney Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Transactional Attorney information

See Washington salary details

$54.9K

$144.3K

$229.9K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level transactional attorney in Washington is $144,256.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $166,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level transactional attorney?

An Entry Level Transactional Attorney handles legal matters related to business transactions, such as drafting contracts, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They typically work under the guidance of senior attorneys in law firms, corporations, or government agencies. Their responsibilities may include reviewing agreements, negotiating terms, and assisting clients with mergers, acquisitions, and financial transactions. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of corporate and commercial law. It is an excellent starting point for those looking to specialize in business law and gain experience in deal-making and contract negotiation.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Transactional Attorney, you need a strong understanding of contract law, legal research, drafting skills, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as document management and contract review software, is commonly expected. Strong attention to detail, organization, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues help set candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate legal documentation, effective client service, and seamless coordination within legal teams and with stakeholders.

What types of projects or transactions will I typically work on as an entry level transactional attorney?

As an Entry Level Transactional Attorney, you will most often assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts such as commercial agreements, leases, non-disclosure agreements, and merger or acquisition documents. Your daily responsibilities may also include conducting due diligence, preparing closing binders, and performing legal research to support senior attorneys. Collaboration with clients, opposing counsel, and internal legal teams is common, allowing you to contribute to the smooth completion of business transactions. This hands-on work provides valuable experience and learning opportunities, helping you build a solid foundation in transactional law as you start your legal career.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transactional Attorney jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Transactional Attorney jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Transactional Attorney jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Transactional Attorney jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Transactional Attorney jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Transactional Attorney jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Transactional Attorney jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Transactional Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Transactional Attorney job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $144,256 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Bankruptcy, Transactions and Terminations Department (BTTD) at the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The candidate selected for this position will:
  • Provide legal counsel, interpretation, and advice on program matters of the Corporation.
  • Conduct litigation in cases of all sizes (including highly complex and significant cases) where attorneys conduct discovery, draft complaints, briefs, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents, and represent the agency in court.
  • Advocate agency positions.
  • Investigate complex facts, extensive research and review of statutes, policies, procedures, regulations, and directives using computerized research methods, pertinent laws, legal opinions, and precedents.
  • Negotiate with plan administrators and attorneys on agreements and other legal documents and draft a variety of complex documents, such as agreements for termination, trusteeship, security and claims settlements.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • You may undergo a personnel security background investigation.
  • Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
  • 1-year probationary period required unless met during prior Federal service.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications
As a General Attorney in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Bankruptcy, Transactions and Terminations Department (BTTD) at the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), you will have to demonstrate the following:
GS-14:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service, or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the private sector with litigation experience and prior experience in at least one of the following areas: EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act (ERISA); Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law; Administrative Law; Corporate Transactional Law, or Complex Civil Litigation.
Examples include: serving as an authoritative attorney within an organization; serving on and directing task forces, case teams, or committees; participating in training entry-level attorneys; analyzing and applying laws related to complex regulatory schemes; drafting complex transactional documents; representing clients in bankruptcy or federal district court; and providing advice regarding ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code.
Education
Applicants must posses a J.D. degree from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
In addition to the education requirement, you must currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a State, a Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
Additional information
To be considered under a special hiring authority such as the Schedule A appointing authority for persons with disabilities; or another excepted service/special hire authority, you must submit documentation to support your claim for eligibility with your application package. For more details, visit Federal Hiring Flexibilities.
PBGC encourages qualified applicants with disabilities to apply. If you are requiring reasonable accommodations, please contact PBGC's Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator, Denorse Prince at (202) 299-4026 or prince.denorse@pbgc.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
All Veterans are encouraged to visit CareerOne for resume writing tips and skill conversion terms.
If you believe that you have been subjected to discrimination, you may contact the PBGC Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO):
OEEO Main Office Phone: 202-229-4363
Email: EEO@PBGC.gov
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Partnership for Public Service ranked PBGC in the top five best places to work among small federal agencies! PBGC ranked fourth out of the 29 agencies in this category, with high scores on work/life balance, benefits, job security, advancement, and organizational culture.
Are you looking for challenging, compelling, and important work? The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has a distinguished and vital mission to protect America's pensions. PBGC professionals use their skills in accounting, auditing, business, finance, law, actuarial science, information technology, and more to protect the retirement income of over 34 million Americans in single employer and multiemployer pension plans.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.