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Government Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bannon Law Group

Litigation Attorney

Pooler, GA · Hybrid

$80K - $157K/yr

Excellent position for a government attorney looking to transition, entry back into workforce or someone just needing a change! Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 3 - 5 years Salary: $80 ...

Government Contract Company

Be Seen First

Government Contracts Attorney Hybrid (PT)

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$1/hr

Government Contracts Attorney (PT) Position Summary The Government Contracts Attorney provides legal counsel and strategic guidance on federal, state, and local government contracting matters. This ...

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Government Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do government attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for government attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by government attorneys in balancing public interest with legal requirements?

Government attorneys often face the challenge of serving the public interest while ensuring strict compliance with laws and regulations. They must carefully navigate complex legal and ethical considerations, especially when legal requirements may appear to conflict with public expectations or policy goals. Additionally, government attorneys frequently handle heavy caseloads and tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time management skills. Collaboration with various government agencies and stakeholders is also common, making effective communication and negotiation essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Government Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectGovernment AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courts, legal departmentsPublic defender offices, courts
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legal departmentsPublic defender offices, government-funded
Common Search & ComparisonLegal roles in governmentCriminal defense for indigent clients

While both Government Attorneys and Public Defenders work within government legal systems and require similar credentials, their roles differ. Government Attorneys typically serve in various government agencies, handling a broad range of legal matters. Public Defenders focus specifically on defending indigent clients in criminal cases. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations within government legal services.

What does a government attorney do?

A government attorney is a lawyer who works for a government agency at the federal, state, or local level. Their responsibilities include providing legal advice to government officials, representing the government in legal proceedings, drafting and reviewing legislation, and ensuring government actions comply with the law. Government attorneys can specialize in various areas such as criminal prosecution, civil litigation, regulatory law, or policy development. They play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the public interest.

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

To thrive as a Government Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong understanding of administrative, constitutional, and statutory law. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience with case management systems are typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and sound ethical judgment set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure effective legal representation, compliance with public policy, and integrity in government legal affairs.
More about Government Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Attorney jobs? Cities with the most 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 Government Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Attorney jobs include:
Government Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

State and Local Government Attorney

CGAVERY

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Our clent is seeking an experienced State & Local Government Attorney to join its Government & Public Sector team. This attorney will advise public entities-including state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, special purpose districts, public authorities, and quasi-governmental organizations-on a wide range of regulatory, transactional, governance, and litigation matters.
The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of public-sector operations, regulatory frameworks, procurement processes, ethics and compliance requirements, and the unique legal challenges faced by governmental clients. Candidates should be comfortable serving as outside general counsel, providing proactive guidance, and handling complex matters with minimal supervision.
Locations: SC
Key Responsibilities
  • Advisory & Governance
  • Regulatory & Compliance
  • Transactional Work
  • Litigation & Administrative Proceedings
  • Client Communication & Relationship Management

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Active member of the SC state bar (NC bar is a plus)
  • Experience level: Associate: 3-6 years advising public sector clients.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of state/local government law, administrative law, and public-sector processes.
  • Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-moving environment.
  • Experience with public finance, land use, environmental, procurement, or labor/employment matters is a plus.

Desired Competencies
  • Practical judgment and ability to balance legal risk with operational realities.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including comfort presenting to boards and public bodies.
  • Commitment to public service and the mission of governmental clients.
  • Strong client-management and relationship-building abilities.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across practice areas.

Apply