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Federal Government Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Legal CGS seeks a Paralegal to provide legal and administrative support to government attorneys and ... The ideal candidate will have experience in federal or military legal environments, proficiency ...

Honors Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$93K - $121K/yr

S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring ... Honors Attorney candidates with no work experience prior to law school should have a law school GPA ...

Government lawyers form the legal backbone of Palantir's federal government business and are motivated by our mission to serve government clients. As go‑to advisors on the contracts that enable ...

Showing results 21-40

Federal Government Attorney information

See salary details

$38.5K

$90.2K

$146.5K

How much do federal government attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal government attorney in the United States is $90,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Federal Government Attorney vs State Government Attorney?

AspectFederal Government AttorneyState Government Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, courts, departmentsState agencies, courts, departments
Employer & IndustryU.S. government, federal legal systemState government, state legal system
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Federal Government Attorneys work within federal agencies and courts, handling cases and legal matters at the national level. State Government Attorneys serve within state agencies and courts, focusing on state laws and issues. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in jurisdiction and scope of work.

What is a federal government attorney?

A federal government attorney is a lawyer who works for the United States government, representing federal agencies, departments, or the government itself in legal matters. These attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, regulatory, and administrative law. They may provide legal advice, draft legislation, litigate in federal courts, or help enforce federal laws. Federal government attorneys can work in agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Environmental Protection Agency, among others. Their work is crucial in ensuring the federal government operates within the bounds of the law.

What are the most common challenges faced by federal government attorneys in their daily work?

Federal Government Attorneys often navigate complex regulations and must remain up-to-date with frequently changing laws and policies. Balancing a high caseload while ensuring thorough legal research and compliance with strict ethical standards can be demanding. Additionally, collaborating with multiple agencies and stakeholders requires strong communication skills and adaptability. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to work on impactful cases and contribute to the public good.

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

To thrive as a Federal Government Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar membership, and a strong understanding of federal laws and regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and sometimes security clearance are typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and communication skills are crucial for effective advocacy and collaboration. These competencies ensure sound legal advice, uphold public trust, and support effective government operations.
More about Federal Government Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Government Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Federal Government Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Federal Government Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Government Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Government Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Government Attorney jobs are:
Infographic showing various Federal Government Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,223 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Government Contracts Attorney

ProspectBlue

Tysons Corner, VA

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description ProspectBlue has partnered with a well-established and respected law firm in Tysons, Virginia to find a Government Contracts Attorney with at least four years of relevant experience to join its expanding government contracts practice. Opportunities are available at the Associate, Senior Associate, and Counsel levels, depending on qualifications and experience. The firm's government contracts team counsels clients on a wide range of federal procurement and contracting matters, including bid protests, contract claims, FAR compliance, subcontracting and teaming arrangements, joint venture structures, and federal small business contracting programs.

This role offers the opportunity to work on complex and impactful matters while maintaining direct client contact in a supportive, collaborative environment. While the attorney's primary focus will be supporting the government contracts practice, the firm's collaborative culture encourages attorneys to work closely with colleagues across multiple practice areas. Qualifications: Minimum of four years of experience in government contracts law Demonstrated experience handling bid protests Working knowledge of the FAR and DFARS Experience with subcontracting and teaming arrangements, contract claims, mergers and acquisitions, and federal small business contracting programs strongly preferred Excellent analytical, legal writing, and verbal communication abilities Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines Ability to quickly learn new subject matter and develop specialized expertise Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented setting Active membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S

jurisdiction; candidates not currently admitted in Virginia must be willing to pursue Virginia Bar admission Compensation & Benefits: $175,000 - $200,000, plus discretionary bonus. The firm also offers a competitive benefits package and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering a 1,600 billable hours target.