Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney Adviser
Denver, CO · On-site +1
$147K - $192K/yr
Suitable for federal employment * Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful ... Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ...
Attorney Adviser
Denver, CO · On-site +1
$147K - $192K/yr
Suitable for federal employment * Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful ... Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ...
Federal Litigation Attorney
San Diego, CA · Remote
$130K - $250K/yr
SLP is seeking a full-time associate attorney with 3-5 years of experience to join our rapidly expanding team. This role focuses on federal court litigation and requires active admission to at least ...
Quick apply
Federal Litigation Attorney
San Diego, CA · Remote
$130K - $250K/yr
SLP is seeking a full-time associate attorney with 3-5 years of experience to join our rapidly expanding team. This role focuses on federal court litigation and requires active admission to at least ...
Federal Litigation Attorney
San Jose, CA · Remote
$130K - $250K/yr
SLP is seeking a full-time associate attorney with 3-5 years of experience to join our rapidly expanding team. This role focuses on federal court litigation and requires active admission to at least ...
Federal Litigation Attorney
San Jose, CA · Remote
$130K - $250K/yr
SLP is seeking a full-time associate attorney with 3-5 years of experience to join our rapidly expanding team. This role focuses on federal court litigation and requires active admission to at least ...
Attorney Adviser
$147K/yr
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney Adviser
$147K/yr
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State ... In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have ...
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Florida
Miami, FL · On-site
$75 - $110/hr
Seasoned trial attorneys with 6+ years of federal litigation experience * Semi-retired attorneys or solo practitioners seeking consistent, high-level casework * Professionals with deep knowledge of ...
Quick apply
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Florida
Miami, FL · On-site
$75 - $110/hr
Seasoned trial attorneys with 6+ years of federal litigation experience * Semi-retired attorneys or solo practitioners seeking consistent, high-level casework * Professionals with deep knowledge of ...
Cannon & Associates is seeking an experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to join our Oklahoma City team of Fierce Advocates. We represent individuals during some of the most challenging ...
Quick apply
Cannon & Associates is seeking an experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to join our Oklahoma City team of Fierce Advocates. We represent individuals during some of the most challenging ...
Trial Attorney (Federal Tort Claims Act)
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$85K - $197K/yr
Summary The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and ...
Trial Attorney (Federal Tort Claims Act)
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$85K - $197K/yr
Summary The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and ...
Trial Attorney (Federal Programs Branch)
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$85K - $197K/yr
Summary Federal Programs Branch seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and federal agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and actions brought ...
Trial Attorney (Federal Programs Branch)
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$85K - $197K/yr
Summary Federal Programs Branch seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and federal agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and actions brought ...
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney California
Los Angeles, CA · Remote
$90 - $120/hr
Now Hiring - Of Counsel Attorney | Federal Criminal & Healthcare Fraud Defense (California) Watson & Associates, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to serve in an ...
Quick apply
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney California
Los Angeles, CA · Remote
$90 - $120/hr
Now Hiring - Of Counsel Attorney | Federal Criminal & Healthcare Fraud Defense (California) Watson & Associates, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to serve in an ...
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney California
Los Angeles, CA · Remote
$90 - $120/hr
Now Hiring - Of Counsel Attorney | Federal Criminal & Healthcare Fraud Defense (California) Watson & Associates, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to serve in an ...
Quick apply
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney California
Los Angeles, CA · Remote
$90 - $120/hr
Now Hiring - Of Counsel Attorney | Federal Criminal & Healthcare Fraud Defense (California) Watson & Associates, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney to serve in an ...
Centre is seeking attorneys with immigration experience to assist the senior attorneys managing a federal contract, with multiple subcontractor law firms across the country. The contract is for ...
Quick apply
Centre is seeking attorneys with immigration experience to assist the senior attorneys managing a federal contract, with multiple subcontractor law firms across the country. The contract is for ...
Attorney supporting the US Attorney's Office
Spokane, WA · On-site
$63K - $72K/yr
FSA Federal (FSA) is focused on delivering unsurpassed services in support of law enforcement and homeland security. We currently have a vacancy for an Attorney. The Attorney will support on-going ...
Attorney supporting the US Attorney's Office
Spokane, WA · On-site
$63K - $72K/yr
FSA Federal (FSA) is focused on delivering unsurpassed services in support of law enforcement and homeland security. We currently have a vacancy for an Attorney. The Attorney will support on-going ...
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney California
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90 - $120/hr
Opportunity for advancement Now Hiring Of Counsel Attorney | Federal Criminal & Healthcare Fraud Defense (California) Watson & Associates, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Federal Criminal Defense ...
Quick apply
Of Counsel Federal Criminal Defense Attorney California
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90 - $120/hr
Opportunity for advancement Now Hiring Of Counsel Attorney | Federal Criminal & Healthcare Fraud Defense (California) Watson & Associates, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Federal Criminal Defense ...
An established litigation practice is seeking a highly capable attorney licensed in Ohio to support a growing docket of sophisticated plaintiff-side civil litigation matters in federal courts, with a ...
Quick apply
An established litigation practice is seeking a highly capable attorney licensed in Ohio to support a growing docket of sophisticated plaintiff-side civil litigation matters in federal courts, with a ...
Be Seen First
Centre is seeking attorneys with immigration experience to assist the senior attorneys managing a federal contract, with multiple subcontractor law firms across the country. The contract is for ...
Quick apply
Be Seen First
Centre is seeking attorneys with immigration experience to assist the senior attorneys managing a federal contract, with multiple subcontractor law firms across the country. The contract is for ...
Overview Trial attorneys in the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section handle personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage suits arising from activities of federal employees acting within the ...
Overview Trial attorneys in the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section handle personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage suits arising from activities of federal employees acting within the ...
Federal Attorney information
See salary details
$46K - $57.5K
2% of jobs
$57.5K - $69K
6% of jobs
$80K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$69K - $80.5K
17% of jobs
$80.5K - $92K
15% of jobs
The median wage is $99K / yr.
$92K - $103.5K
15% of jobs
$103.5K - $115K
11% of jobs
$123.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$115K - $126.5K
11% of jobs
$126.5K - $138K
9% of jobs
$138K - $149.5K
6% of jobs
$149.5K - $161K
5% of jobs
$161K - $172.5K
2% of jobs
$46K
$108.2K
$172.5K
How much do federal attorney jobs pay per year?
What are federal attorneys?
What is the difference between Federal Attorney vs Public Defender?
| Aspect | Federal Attorney | Public Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Jurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, often federal legal certifications | Law degree, bar admission, specialized in criminal defense |
| Work Environment | Federal courts, government agencies, legal offices | Public defense offices, courts, legal aid organizations |
| Employer & Industry | Federal government, U.S. Department of Justice, federal agencies | Government-funded public defender offices, non-profit legal organizations |
| Common Search & Comparison | Yes | Yes |
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?
What are some common challenges faced by federal attorneys when handling complex cases?

$74K/yr
Other
Re-posted 20 days ago
Job description
Salary wage as shown is for the Rest of the U.S. pay scale and does not include locality pay. For specific wage information, refer to the OPM Salary Tables.
This serves as a Public Notice.Qualifications:WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORHHS-wide Attorney Qualification Requirements.
- Education Requirement: HHS Attorney positions have a minimum requirement of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited school.
- Bar Membership: Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State, territory, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, or Federal Court is acceptable. Active bar membership is verified prior to appointment. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with HHS.
- License to Practice Law. A current, valid license with eligibility to practice law in a state, the District of Columbia, or any United States territory or commonwealth is a continuing condition of employment for Federal attorneys.
GS-9: Requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active bar membership. No prior professional legal experience is required.
GS-11: Requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active bar membership. No prior professional legal experience is required.
GS-12: Requires a J.D. or LL.B., active bar membership, and one year of professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to the GS-11 level.
GS-13: Requires a J.D. or LL.B., active bar membership, and two years of professional legal experience post bar admission, including one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.
GS-14: Requires a J.D. or LL.B., active bar membership, and three years of professional legal experience post bar admission, including one year equivalent to the GS-13 level.
Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.
OPM Qualification General Policies WebsiteEducation:Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov.
Note: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application. Education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.Employment Type: OTHER