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Staff Attorney Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cair-foundation Inc

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC

Staff Attorney Department: Civil Rights FLSA: Exempt Job Reports to: Directly to the Trial Attorneys your cases are assigned to Location: Washington, DC Starting Salary: 83,100 Essential Functions ...

Cooley

Conflicts Staff Attorney

Reston, VA

Conflicts Staff Attorney Cooley is seeking a Conflicts Staff Attorney to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team. Position summary: The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the ...

Cooley

Conflicts Staff Attorney

Washington, DC

Conflicts Staff Attorney Cooley is seeking a Conflicts Staff Attorney to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team. Position summary: The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the ...

Cooley LLP

Conflicts Staff Attorney

Washington, DC

Conflicts Staff Attorney Cooley is seeking a Conflicts Staff Attorney to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team. Position summary: The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the ...

Cooley LLP

Conflicts Staff Attorney

Reston, VA

Conflicts Staff Attorney Cooley is seeking a Conflicts Staff Attorney to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team. Position summary: The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the ...

U.S. Courts

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $187K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The staff attorney position is in the Court's Central Legal Staff, which is located in the Office of the Clerk of the Court. The ...

Cair-foundation Inc

Staff Attorney, MO/KS

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$83K - $95K/yr

Staff Attorney Department: Civil Rights Reports to: Trial Attorney Supervison Responsiblites: None Location: Remote with occasional travel. FLSA Status: Exempt Hour: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.( eastern ...

U. S. Sentencing Commission

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $158K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The staff attorney participates in the substantive policy development of the Commission and provides legal support for the Commission's training, research ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC

$102K/yr

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is seeking multiple Staff Attorney positions in Washington D.C..Qualifications:The selectee must have: * A professional law degree (juris doctor ...

US Judicial Branch

Staff Attorney

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$102K/yr

The United States Sentencing Commission is seeking a Staff Attorney to participate in the substantive policy development of the Commission and provide legal support for the Commission's training ...

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Showing results 21-40

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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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

Cair-foundation Inc

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Department: Civil Rights

FLSA: Exempt

Job Reports to: Directly to the Trial Attorneys your cases are assigned to

Location: Washington, DC

Starting Salary: 83,100

Essential Functions/Duties

The Staff Attorney will be primarily responsible for:

  • Performing legal research and drafting of legal documents, including answers, motions and other routine court filings
  • Drafting written work product, including legal and research memorandums and other legal documents, as requested
  • Drafting demand letters and engaging in alternative dispute resolution to resolve civil rights cases outside court intervention
  • Representing clients during FBI interrogations
  • Assisting trial attorneys with various aspects of litigation, including, but not limited to, client interviews, factual investigation, legal research, discovery, preparation of trial documents, negotiations, trials and appellate work
  • Participating in speaking engagements pertaining to civil rights issues facing the American Muslim community
  • Training and coaching of CAIR staff as requested
  • Attend continuing legal education seminars and keep abreast of changes in the law through reading or other means

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school and an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction)

  • Ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments and meet deadlines; must be able to work well both independently and in a team environment
  • Basic knowledge of federal court practice
  • Excellent legal research, writing and oral skills
  • No disciplinary actions on record or pending
  • Ideal candidates have a minimum of 3 years prior associate-level experience in civil rights
  • An understanding of civil rights issues relating to American Muslims
  • Passion for the mission of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
  • Ability to communicate in language other than English is a plus