Legal • Go Government

Did You Know?

Nearly 85 percent of general attorneys in the federal government make more than $100,000/year.

There are more than 1,071 federal employees currently working in legal positions abroad.

Not all legal positions require a law degree or membership to the American Bar Association. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree or one year of specialized experience, you qualify for entry-level jobs such as a legal assistant, a contact representative or a benefits specialist.

Sample Positions

Agency: Department of the Army, Army National Guard Units
Salary Range: $60,686 to $78,889 / per year
Location(s): Camp Mabry, TX

As a Paralegal Specialist, you will:

Provide research, analysis, guidance, and support to administer courts-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative boards and other legal actions and administrative processes.
Manage the SJA portion of the state/territory Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program.
Review changes in regulations on the Freedom of Information Act and update and advise other legal personnel and field staff of changes.

Agency: Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration
Salary Range: $112,021 to $161,900 / per year
Location(s): Alexandria, VA

As a General Attorney, you will:

Serve as legal advisor on all issues related to the diversion of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals into illegitimate channels.
Review and provide legal advice on relevant legislative proposals, agency correspondence with the regulated industry, and related agency policies.
Review all rules and regulations affecting the legitimate handling of controlled substances and listed chemicals, and evaluate them for compliance with the requirements of federal statutes.

Did you know that the federal government offers a variety of opportunities for a rewarding legal career, whether you’re a recent graduate without a law degree or a seasoned attorney with years of experience?

For example, as a legal assistant at the Department of Labor, you can conduct legal research and assist a judge in all aspects of hearings and cases. As a patent examiner for the Department of Commerce, you can handle legal questions surrounding new inventions. As the ethics attorney with the Federal Election Commission, you can ensure the agency’s ethical conduct.

Top Legal Positions by Region	Percentage
South Atlantic	39.1%
Pacific West	10.5%
Mid-Atlantic	10.2%
West South Central	8.5%
East North Central	7.8%
Mountain West	5.9%
West North Central	5.7%
East South Central	5.5%
Northeast	2.9%
Positions Overseas	1.0%