ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lateral Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Central Intelligence Agency

Lateral Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

This "Lateral Attorney" job posting is an opportunity for generalist candidates to highlight experience in multiple practice areas. Education * Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited ...

Jobot

Lateral Attorney

Birmingham, AL

$300K - $500K/yr

Lateral Attorney / $$$ / Work-Life Balance This Jobot Job is hosted by: Anne-Laure McGrory Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume. Salary: $300 ...

Gutwein Law

Lateral Attorney

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$150K/yr

An attorney ready to practice full-time * Focused in business and/or real estate * Licensed to practice law in Indiana and/or Minnesota * Have 3+ years of legal experience * Maintains client ...

Gutwein Law

Lateral Attorney

Indianapolis, IN

$150K/yr

An attorney ready to practice full-time * Focused in business and/orreal estate * Licensed to practice law in Indiana and/or Minnesota * Have 3+ years of legal experience * Maintains client ...

Gutwein Law

Lateral Attorney

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$150K/yr

An attorney ready to practice full-time * Focused in business and/or real estate * Licensed to practice law in Indiana and/or Minnesota * Have 3+ years of legal experience * Maintains client ...

Jackson Walker

Conflicts Attorney

Dallas, TX

The Conflicts Attorney will review and analyze conflicts associated with new clients, new matters, lateral and staff hires and other professional opportunities, working closely with attorneys ...

Jackson Walker LLP

Conflicts Attorney

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Conflicts Attorney will review and analyze conflicts associated with new clients, new matters, lateral and staff hires and other professional opportunities, working closely with attorneys ...

Jackson Walker LLP

Conflicts Attorney

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Conflicts Attorney will review and analyze conflicts associated with new clients, new matters, lateral and staff hires and other professional opportunities, working closely with attorneys ...

Gibson Dunn

Conflicts Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$220K - $240K/yr

Analyzing conflict of interest reports for all new firm representations and lateral attorney hires to identify potential conflict problems to ensure new matters and attorney hires are compliant with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLateral Attorney Jobs

Lateral Attorney information

See salary details

$34K

$147.9K

$281K

How much do lateral attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral attorney in the United States is $147,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $205,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a lateral attorney?

To thrive as a Lateral Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction, and proven expertise in your legal practice area. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and relevant certifications (such as board certification in a specialty) are often required. Strong client relationship management, adaptability, and superior communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for quickly integrating into a new firm, delivering high-quality legal services, and building lasting client trust.

What is a lateral attorney?

Lateral attorneys are lawyers who move from one law firm, organization, or legal department to another, typically at the same level or with similar responsibilities as their previous position. This move is often made to seek better career opportunities, higher compensation, a different practice area, or a more desirable location. Lateral moves are common in the legal profession and can involve both associates and partners. Law firms often seek lateral hires to bring in new expertise, clients, or to fill gaps in their practice groups.

What is the difference between Lateral Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectLateral AttorneyAssociate Attorney
CredentialsJD degree, bar admission, relevant experienceJD degree, bar admission, typically less experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, often with client interactionLaw firms, legal departments, primarily research and drafting
Employer & Industry UsageMajor law firms, corporate legal teamsLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding career moves, experience levels, or job rolesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

In summary, a Lateral Attorney is an experienced lawyer transitioning into a new firm or role, often with specialized skills, while an Associate Attorney is typically an early-career lawyer working on foundational legal tasks. Both roles require a JD and bar admission but differ mainly in experience and career stage.

What are common challenges lateral attorneys face when transitioning to a new law firm?

Lateral attorneys often encounter challenges such as adapting to a new firm's culture, understanding different workflows, and establishing relationships with new colleagues and clients. Building trust and demonstrating value quickly are key, especially when integrating into established practice groups or client teams. Additionally, they may need to familiarize themselves with the firm's technology platforms, billing practices, and performance expectations, all while maintaining high-quality service for existing and new clients.
More about Lateral Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Lateral Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Lateral Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Lateral Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lateral Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lateral Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lateral Attorney jobs are:

Lateral Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,929 per year, or $71.1 per hour.

Lateral Attorney

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$143K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary
Attorneys at CIA provide advice and counsel regarding a variety of issues relating to intelligence and national security, as well as the routine practices of an executive agency deployed worldwide.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has an exciting, dynamic practice that covers a broad range of legal issues and practice areas, including national security law, fiscal law, employment law, government contracts and procurement, ethics, technology and cyber law, digital privacy, and FISA, among others. New OGC attorneys serve in our centralized OGC office, where we provide the core legal advice and counsel for Agency-wide functions. While OGC recruits experienced laterals based on their area of expertise, after completing an initial assignment of 2-4 years, laterals will have the opportunity (if desired) to rotate to different practice and mission areas.
The most competitive candidates will have strong academic credentials, demonstrated excellence in their prior work experience, and show a clear commitment to public service.
As an attorney, you will:
  • Provide legal advice and policy counsel to CIA leadership on complex areas of law affecting the CIA's duties and responsibilities under authorities including the National Security Act, the CIA Act, and Executive Orders.
  • Conduct legal research and analysis on sensitive matters.
  • Deliver training on a variety of laws and policies affecting CIA personnel.
  • Engage with other Intelligence Community elements, federal agencies, and congressional committees.
  • Maintain productive working relationships with other OGC and Agency officers to further CIA's mission.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Active membership of the bar (any US jurisdiction).
  • Active membership of the bar (an US jurisdiction)
  • Demonstrated experience of at least three years in one or more of OGC's practice areas.
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications
  • OGC reviews all candidates for the following competencies:
  • Legal analysis, reasoning and writing, including the ability to integrate and synthesize facts and law to make legally sound decisions, particularly in compressed timeframes.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team member in a demanding environment.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in challenging situations.
  • Ability to navigate changing circumstances.
  • Ability to manage multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently.
  • Demonstrated expertise on complex legal matters, and strong client counseling skills, in one or more of the following practice areas: constitutional law, government contracts, employment law, ethics, fiscal law, international law, investigations, litigation (federal), privacy law, operational law, surveillance law, and tech/cyber law.
  • Lateral hires, typically referred to as mid-career hires, have more than three years of post-law school experience and work on the most complex legal issues in the Agency.
  • Please note other OGC job postings on CIA.gov tailored to specific practice areas (e.g., government contracts, employment law, etc.). Candidate may apply to a specialty practice area through the tailored job postings. This "Lateral Attorney" job posting is an opportunity for generalist candidates to highlight experience in multiple practice areas.

Education
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Apply