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Public Sector Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Talentry

Associate Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

This is a direct‑hire opportunity and an excellent role for an Employment Attorney interested in public sector defense who wants to accelerate their career before year‑end. Why This Opportunity ...

Talentry

Associate Attorney

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$160K - $215K/yr

This is a direct-hire opportunity and an excellent role for an Employment Attorney interested in public sector defense who wants to accelerate their career before year-end. Why This Opportunity ...

Everforth, Cybercoders

Associate Attorney

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

This role is ideal for attorneys with a background in private sector L&E litigation as well as those currently working in the public sector who are ready to transition to a private defense practice.

Everforth, Cybercoders

Associate Attorney

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

This role is ideal for attorneys with a background in private sector L&E litigation as well as those currently working in the public sector who are ready to transition to a private defense practice.

NACBA

Business Associate Attorney

Dayton, OH · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

With a team of more than 14 dedicated attorneys, the firm delivers cost‑effective, efficient ... Experience or a strong interest in real estate transactions and local government/public sector law ...

New

Suburban Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Hinsdale, IL · On-site

Join our established suburban firm focusing in public sector pension, administrative, appellate ... Our collegial environment encourages associate attorneys to work directly with partners on ...

Suburban Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Hinsdale, IL · On-site

Join our established suburban firm focusing in public sector pension, administrative, appellate ... Our collegial environment encourages associate attorneys to work directly with partners on ...

NACBA

Attorney

Lansing, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

MUNICIPAL LAW ATTORNEY - CST Municipal Law (Cohl, Stoker & Toskey, P.C.) is a Lansing, Michigan ... public sector clients throughout the state. To meet increased client demand, we are seeking an ...

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Public Sector Attorney information

See salary details

$50K

$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do public sector attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for public sector attorney in the United States is $120,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public sector attorney?

A Public Sector Attorney is a lawyer who works for government agencies at the federal, state, or local level. They may serve as prosecutors, public defenders, or provide legal counsel to government agencies and officials. Their responsibilities often include representing the government in legal matters, drafting legislation, ensuring compliance with laws, and protecting the public interest. Public Sector Attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the law and ensuring justice within the public sector.

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

To thrive as a Public Sector Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong understanding of government laws and regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and public records tools is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, ethical judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure effective legal representation, uphold public interests, and support transparent government operations.

What are some common challenges faced by public sector attorneys in balancing legal obligations and public interest?

Public sector attorneys often navigate the challenge of balancing their duty to uphold the law with the need to serve the public interest. This can involve managing limited resources, handling high caseloads, and addressing complex political or policy considerations. Additionally, public sector attorneys regularly collaborate with government officials, agencies, and community stakeholders, which requires strong communication skills and the ability to build consensus while maintaining legal integrity. These challenges make the work both demanding and rewarding, offering opportunities to have a meaningful impact on the community.

What is the difference between Public Sector Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectPublic Sector AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, legal departmentsCourts, criminal defense
Employer & IndustryGovernment, public sectorPublic defense offices, courts
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Sector Attorney vs Public Defender

Public Sector Attorneys work for government agencies, handling a variety of legal matters, while Public Defenders specialize in criminal defense for indigent clients. Both roles require a JD and state licensing, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Public Sector Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Public Sector Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Public Sector Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Public Sector Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Sector Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Sector Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Sector Attorney jobs are:

Public Sector Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Sector Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,815 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Associate Attorney - Public Entity Labor and Employment

ATKINSON ANDELSON LOYA RUUD & ROMO APC

Cerritos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

 

Associate Attorney – Public Entity Labor and Employment Practice Group

Specific skills sought are:

  • At least three years of experience handling  labor and employment matters, exclusively or predominantly as part of the candidate’s overall legal practice, for public and/or private clients;
  • Experience with public sector clients such as cities, counties, and special districts or a demonstrated interest in public sector work is preferred;
  • Experience with preparing a labor and employment case for trial/arbitration including actually participating in trials and/or arbitrations and in administrative proceedings;
  • Knowledge and experience of public sector labor and employment law, including collective bargaining, administrative proceedings before Public Employment Relations Board (“PERB) , and employee benefit/PERS issues;
  • Deposition experience both as to percipient witnesses and expert witnesses in labor and employment cases and law and motion experience involving discovery issues or experience interviewing witnesses, as part of case preparation/evaluation or workplace investigations;
  • Experience putting together discovery plans and executing same;
  • Excellent writing skills including motions for summary judgment in  labor and employment cases;
  • Ability to handle and manage, with limited supervision and oversight, preparing and responding to written discovery;
  • Excellent legal research and analysis skills and demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive research on specific timelines;
  • Experience supporting more senior attorneys in providing labor and employment advice, both verbally and in preparing legal memorandums and opinions;
  • Ability to interface with the client and convey a level of professionalism and competence in terms of both the legal and strategic issues in labor and employment matters;
  • Willingness to take ownership of a matter and ability to develop a litigation plan and/or course of action;
  • Self-starter and excellent follow-through skills;
  • Hard worker;
  • Impeccable judgment;
  • An entrepreneurial spirit.