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Government Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OR · On-site

$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 ...

Provides legal advice and counsel through written analyses and telephonic communications with public officials and employees, local government attorneys, the press, and the general public regarding ...

Provides legal advice and counsel through written analyses and telephonic communications with public officials and employees, local government attorneys, the press, and the general public regarding ...

Ethics Attorney

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Provides legal advice and counsel through written analyses and telephonic communications with public officials and employees, local government attorneys, the press, and the general public regarding ...

Ethics Attorney

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Provides legal advice and counsel through written analyses and telephonic communications with public officials and employees, local government attorneys, the press, and the general public regarding ...

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Government Attorney information

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$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:
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.
Felony Compliance Staff Attorney

Felony Compliance Staff Attorney

Harris County

Houston, TX

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

300th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Position Overview: This position will focus on the requirements of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Government Code, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Rules of Judicial Administration. The staff attorney may advise in other matters of law arising from the operation of courts and relations of courts and the court administrator and to other governmental agencies or entities. The position is an in-house, general counsel position with a focus on requirements unique to the felony district courts, with a special emphasis on bail decisions and processes.

This position requires in-person attendance at meetings, CE/CLEs, in court (as requested) for specific hearings, and as determined by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judge's designee. Duties and Responsibilities: Provide assistance to the Felony Judges and to Court Administration on legal and operational requirements of SB9 and the recent constitutional amendment (11d) on denial of bail. Provide assistance to the Felony Judges and to Court Administration on legal and operational requirements of other requirements unique to the felony courts.

Provide ethical guidance and updates to the Judges of the District Courts and to the staff of the administrative offices, focusing on the specific ethical requirements of statutory compliance, Constitutional issues, and criminal law. Review, track and report on appellate decisions concerning the practices and procedures in the Felony Courts, with a focus on cases decided by the Court of Criminal Appeals and the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeal. Review, track and report on pending and enacted legislation as it pertains to the practice and procedure in the Felony Courts.

Provide legal assistance to the Judges of the District Courts as they may request. Assist the District Courts in matters of law that arise concerning other agencies that affect the operation of the District Courts. Assist in responding to Rule 12 requests (the judicial equivalent of public information requests).

Provide legal assistance to the judiciary and administration on matters of form and procedure. Other duties as designated by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judge's designee. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position.

It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of the judiciary to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net Requirements Education and Experience: Graduate of an accredited law school

Shall be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law. Minimum of five (5) first degree felony trials (tried to completion), or five (5) substantive felony briefs (briefs other than Anders briefs), or two (2) years of experience as a judge, magistrate or hearing law officer.

Substantially equivalent experience as a government attorney, a judicial law clerk, or an attorney to an elected or appointed official will be considered. Demonstrate ability in legal research and writing. Licensure: Shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization desirable. Preference for board certification in criminal law or criminal appellate law. General Information Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: Regular Full-time Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary: Depends on Qualifications Based on 26 Pay Periods Plus, benefits Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.


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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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