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Government Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bannon Law Group

Litigation Attorney

Pooler, GA · Hybrid

$95K - $170K/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: $95 ...

Bannon Law Group

$95K - $170K/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: $95 ...

Axiom Talent Platform

OR

$309K/yr

Join Our Team as a Lawyer at Axiom We are currently seeking Government Contract Attorneys . Ideal candidates will have a strong background in government contracts law, with expertise in advising ...

The Midtown Group

Be Seen First

Attorney, DC Government Contract

Washington, DC · On-site

$50 - $54/hr

Labor & Employment Attorney Washington, DC | 100% Onsite Long-Term Government Contract | Full-Time 2 Immediate Openings Join a High-Impact Government Legal Team The Midtown Group is hiring two ...

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All JobsGovernment Attorney Jobs

Government Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do government attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Municipal & Local Government Attorney

Municipal & Local Government Attorney

Robert Half

Palos Heights, IL • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Attorney – Municipal & Local Government

Are you passionate about representing units of local government and shaping communities in the Chicago metropolitan area? If so, an established law firm with offices in Palos Heights and Elmhurst is looking for an experienced Attorney to join our team.

We are a dedicated firm that works with a diverse range of local governmental entities, including municipalities, townships, park districts, and specialty districts. Our practice is focused on providing dynamic legal solutions for zoning, development, property matters, and general corporate transactions.


What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an attorney with:

  • A minimum of 2+ years of experience in municipal/local government law.
  • A valid Illinois law license.
  • Excellent organizational, research, and writing skills, with a strong attention to detail.
  • The ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with clients.

Requirements:

• Licensed attorney with at least two years of experience in municipal or local government law.

• Proficiency in legal research and writing, with strong analytical skills.

• Familiarity with case and document management software, including 3M, Adobe Acrobat, and Conveyancer.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with clients and team members.

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational abilities to manage multiple cases efficiently.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• Strong knowledge of civil litigation processes and claim administration.

• Commitment to staying updated on legal trends and regulations relevant to local government law.


Experience in the Following Areas

  • Zoning, development, real estate, or property demolition/abandonment litigation.
  • Writing ordinances and drafting/reviewing contracts and agreements.
  • Municipal litigation, including code enforcement, license enforcement, adjudication, and employment matters.
  • Property transactions, including purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, closings, and lending documents.
  • Attending board or committee hearings and providing legal counsel.

Benefits: H/D/V/Life Insurance, 401K+ profit sharing, PTO, etc.

Join Us!

If you are driven to grow your legal expertise in municipal and local government law while working in a dynamic team environment, we want to hear from you!

To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in municipal law.



Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job and candidate matches faster.

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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948

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