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Federal Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

County Attorney II

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$111K - $172K/yr

Arlington County Attorney's Office is seeking an Assistant County Attorney to join our team. The ... Responsibilities will include litigation in general district courts and circuit and federal courts ...

New

General Attorney

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$63K/yr

Launch a prestigious career as an Attorney with ICE's Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA ... If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal ...

General Attorney

Annandale, VA ยท On-site

$63K/yr

Launch a prestigious career as an Attorney with ICE's Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA ... If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal ...

Launch a prestigious career as an Attorney with ICE's Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA ... If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal ...

Immigration Attorney

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

... federal district courts, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Salary: $80,000-$110,000 ... Additionally, the Attorney represents clients before USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ...

Immigration Attorney

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

... federal district courts, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Salary: $80,000-$110,000 ... Additionally, the Attorney represents clients before USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ...

Assistant County Attorney II

Stafford, VA ยท On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

... or federal court, or before state or federal administrative agencies Drafting ordinances ... Performing other duties as assigned by the County Attorney and/or Deputy County Attorney. Knowledge ...

Immigration Attorney

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

... federal district courts, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Salary: $80,000-$110,000 ... Additionally, the Attorney represents clients before USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ...

Jr Employment Attorney

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Counsel clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Represent clients in ... Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to provide exceptional client service. Qualifications ...

Jr Employment Attorney

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Counsel clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. * Represent clients ... Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to provide exceptional client service. Qualifications

Showing results 21-40

Federal Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$45.6K

$107.2K

$171K

How much do federal attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal attorney in Virginia is $107,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal attorney?

Federal attorneys are lawyers who represent the United States government in legal matters at the federal level. They may work for various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, and handle cases involving federal laws and regulations. Their duties can include prosecuting federal crimes, defending the government in civil lawsuits, and providing legal advice to federal agencies. Federal attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the government's actions comply with legal standards.

What is the difference between Federal Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectFederal AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, often federal legal certificationsLaw degree, bar admission, specialized in criminal defense
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, government agencies, legal officesPublic defense offices, courts, legal aid organizations
Employer & IndustryFederal government, U.S. Department of Justice, federal agenciesGovernment-funded public defender offices, non-profit legal organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Attorneys and Public Defenders both work within the legal system but serve different roles. Federal Attorneys represent the government in federal cases, focusing on prosecution or legal advice for federal agencies. Public Defenders defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys. While both require law degrees and bar admission, their work environments and employer types differ significantly, with Federal Attorneys working primarily for government agencies and Public Defenders serving in public defense roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid grasp of federal laws, legal research, and litigation practices. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency with case management systems are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and ethical judgment help set outstanding attorneys apart. These skills and qualifications are critical for effectively representing the government, interpreting complex statutes, and ensuring justice within the federal legal system.

What are some common challenges faced by federal attorneys when handling complex cases?

Federal attorneys often manage cases that involve intricate statutes, regulatory frameworks, and high volumes of evidence. One common challenge is coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders, which requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, balancing a heavy caseload while keeping up with evolving federal laws can be demanding. Working under tight deadlines and maintaining the highest ethical standards are also integral to success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Attorney jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Federal Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Attorney jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Federal Attorney jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Federal Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,232 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Litigation Associate Attorney

McCandlish Holton

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Civil Litigation Associate Attorney
Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Associate Attorney to join our Civil Litigation Practice Group in Richmond, Virginia.
This position is designed for attorneys with zero (0) to four (4) years of substantive civil litigation experience, who are seeking to develop their litigation skills through meaningful client interaction, courtroom advocacy, legal research, written advocacy, and hands-on case management.
The Associate Attorney will manage assigned civil litigation matters, assist in the development of case strategy, represent clients in litigation proceedings, prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, communicate with clients and opposing parties, and collaborate with attorneys and legal professionals in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Where to apply: https://lawmh.applicantstack.com/x/openings
Minimum Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in the Virginia State Bar in good standing, or eligibility for admission prior to employment
  • Reliable transportation to and from work and to off-site work locations.
  • High level of computer literacy and the ability to effectively utilize legal technology, digital communication platforms, document management systems, email, and Microsoft Office Suite and electronic filing systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience conducting legal research, analyzing legal issues, and drafting legal documents.

Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is **$90,000 to $118,000 annually**.
The firm has a quarterly metric-based bonus and annual discretionary bonuses for associate attorneys. Eligibility for the bonus programs is based on performance.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and performance without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.