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Staff Attorney Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Courts

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K - $187K/yr

Staff attorneys conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations. Staff attorneys meet with three-judge panels in ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$115K/yr

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is accepting applications for a full-time, permanent Staff Attorney. The JPML is a statutory national court governed principally by 28 U.S.C. 1407 with ...

Opencityadvocates

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Staff Attorney - Post-Commitment Juvenile Defense Position Overview Through zealous representation and holistic advocacy, the Staff Attorney's primary role is to represent youth committed to DYRS.

United States Courts

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

A Panel Staff Attorney reports to the Panel Executive, and provides substantive legal analysis, advice, and assistance on multidistrict litigation (MDL) dockets before the Panel and on other Panel ...

Posted today

Maryland Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

Staff attorneys will be expected to work with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students on cases or projects. They must maintain all case ...

Maryland Legal Aid Inc

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD

$79K - $122K/yr

Staff attorneys will be expected to work with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students on cases or projects. They must maintain all case ...

Tycko & Zavareei LLP

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

The staff attorney position will be fully integrated on case teams with the range of litigation opportunities, focused on complaint drafting, discovery, plaintiff vetting, legal briefing including ...

Tycko and Zavareei LLP

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

The staff attorney position will be fully integrated on case teams with the range of litigation opportunities, focused on complaint drafting, discovery, plaintiff vetting, legal briefing including ...

Tycko & Zavareei LLP

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

The staff attorney position will be fully integrated on case teams with the range of litigation opportunities, focused on complaint drafting, discovery, plaintiff vetting, legal briefing including ...

Socket.dev

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

The staff attorney position will be fully integrated on case teams with the range of litigation opportunities, focused on complaint drafting, discovery, plaintiff vetting, legal briefing including ...

U.S. Courts

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$115K - $197K/yr

JPML Staff Attorneys provide substantive legal analysis, advice, and assistance on issues arising in complex litigation. Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Staff Attorney's duties include ...

Maryland Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

The Family Law/ CINA staff attorney represents child clients in CINA cases of all ages and adult family law clients primarily before the Maryland Circuit and Appellate Courts. The attorney also ...

We Are CASA

Staff Attorney

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$64K - $72K/yr

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing direct representation to CASA members in civil legal cases, such as immigration, housing, employment, and/or civil rights, while helping to ...

CASA INC

Staff Attorney

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$64K - $72K/yr

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing direct representation to CASA members in civil legal cases, such as immigration, housing, employment, and/or civil rights, while helping to ...

CASA INC

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$64K - $72K/yr

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing direct representation to CASA members in civil legal cases, such as immigration, housing, employment, and/or civil rights, while helping to ...

Maryland Legal Aid Inc

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$79K - $122K/yr

The Family Law/ CINA staff attorney represents child clients in CINA cases of all ages and adult family law clients primarily before the Maryland Circuit and Appellate Courts. The attorney also ...

We Are CASA

Staff Attorney

Rockville, MD · On-site

$64K - $72K/yr

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing direct representation to CASA members in civil legal cases, such as immigration, housing, employment, and/or civil rights, while helping to ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$68K/yr

C. Circuit, has openings for highly qualified attorneys to serve as staff attorneys to the full court. The positions are full-time and for a two-year term. Limited term extensions may be available.

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All JobsStaff Attorney JobsStaff Attorney Jobs in Reston, VA

Staff Attorney information

See Reston, VA salary details

$52.5K

$95.1K

$157.6K

How much do staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff attorney in Reston, VA is $95,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney works for a law firm or another organization. Staff attorneys are associates with law degrees who have passed the Bar Exam in their states. They research, analyze, and write about complex legal issues. Duties and responsibilities of all staff attorney jobs include legal research and support to the partners in a law firm. Staff attorneys may also draft portions of legal opinions based on their research as well as verify cited sources, and review documents at the request of a partner. Staff attorney is a good position for attorneys who wish to continue in the legal profession.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a licensed lawyer employed by an organization, law firm, nonprofit, or government agency to provide legal advice, conduct research, draft documents, and represent clients or the organization in legal matters. Unlike partners or associates who may have client development or managerial responsibilities, staff attorneys typically focus on substantive legal work and supporting ongoing cases. Their duties often include reviewing and preparing legal documents, assisting with litigation, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Staff attorneys play a vital role in supporting legal teams and ensuring that legal services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff attorney?

To thrive as a Staff Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, and writing abilities. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in supporting clients and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality legal counsel, ensuring compliance, and effectively managing caseloads in a legal environment.

What are some common challenges staff attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Staff Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases, each with distinct deadlines and documentation requirements. Balancing priorities while maintaining attention to detail can be challenging, especially when urgent matters arise unexpectedly. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential for meeting court deadlines and collaborating with colleagues, such as paralegals and senior attorneys. Regular communication with team members and leveraging case management software can help alleviate these challenges and ensure smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Staff Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectStaff AttorneyAssociate Attorney
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, nonprofitsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal organizations, nonprofits, governmentPrivate law firms, corporate legal departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, responsibilitiesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

Both Staff Attorneys and Associate Attorneys typically hold a JD and are bar-certified. Staff Attorneys often work in legal departments or nonprofits, focusing on specific legal tasks without client management, while Associate Attorneys usually work in law firms or corporate settings, handling client cases and gaining experience. The roles are similar but differ mainly in work environment and responsibilities, with Staff Attorneys often having more specialized or in-house roles.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a staff attorney?

Yes, a staff attorney typically must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they practice, as it is a requirement to provide legal services and represent clients. Licensing ensures they are qualified to interpret and apply the law professionally. Some positions may also require ongoing legal education or certification renewal.

How much do staff attorneys make in the US?

Staff attorneys in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and sector. Salaries can vary based on whether they work in government, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, and often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What does it mean to be a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a legal professional who provides legal advice, drafts documents, and represents clients or organizations in legal matters. They often work within law firms, government agencies, or non-profits, and may specialize in areas such as litigation, compliance, or policy. Strong legal research, writing skills, and a law degree are typically required for this role.
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Staff Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Attorney job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,136 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Staff Attorney

U.S. Courts

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$68K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Summary
The Legal Division of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has openings for highly qualified attorneys to serve as staff attorneys to the full court.
The positions are full-time and for a two-year term. Limited term extensions may be available. Some work may be done remotely.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Legal Division's principal responsibility is to recommend to the court the disposition of substantive and procedural motions, appeals decided without oral argument, and emergency matters. Staff attorneys conduct legal research, prepare legal memoranda, draft proposed orders, respond to judges' inquiries, and make oral presentations. Staff attorneys meet with three-judge panels in formal conferences about twice a month. At conference, staff attorneys answer any questions about their cases, and the panel discusses and votes on staff attorney recommendations. Staff attorneys may also present their recommendations orally to the judges when handling time-sensitive emergency motions.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Because the D.C. Circuit entertains a large number of high-profile and sealed cases, staff attorneys are subject to strict confidentiality requirements.
In addition, your continued employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. A full background investigation for a security clearance may be required.
Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work for the United States government.
Qualifications
The caseload of the D.C. Circuit involves virtually every area of federal law, and is unique in the number of cases filed against the executive branch. Because staff attorneys must be able to advise the judges on difficult, varied, and important legal issues, the court is highly selective in its hiring. The court is looking for individuals who have demonstrated the ability to research and analyze complex legal issues in depth and to express themselves clearly, both orally and in writing.
To qualify for the CL 28 level or above, you must be a member of the bar of a state or the District of Columbia, and have at least one year of relevant experience after graduation from law school.
Education
At a minimum, applicants must possess a J.D. degree as of the position's start date. A judicial clerkship or internship, law review membership, or comparable legal research and writing experience is desirable. Litigation experience is advantageous. Graduation in the top 25% of your law school class is preferred.
Additional information
  • More than one vacancy may be filled.
  • All positions in the Clerk's Office are excepted appointments and are "at will."
  • The selected candidate will serve a one-year probationary period.
  • Selected applicants will be subject to mandatory electronic transfer of funds for payment of net pay.
  • The United States Courthouse is a smoke-free building.

The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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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
Information about benefits is available at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

Apply