Overview
Legal careers in the federal government help to ensure that laws and regulations are applied consistently. A legal professional in the federal government can support policy making, advocate for change, assist in the administration of court procedures, conduct research or facilitate negotiations.
Did you know that you can work in the legal profession without a law degree? Legal professionals come from many backgrounds, but they all share interest in using the law to support federal agencies. Whether you are a recent graduate, current law student or experienced attorney, there are opportunities for a meaningful career in state government.
This work is essential to keep federal systems fair, functional and responsive. This field could be a good match for those who enjoy logical problem solving who want to use those strengths to serve the public.
What You Might Work On
In the federal government, professionals in this field often:
- Interpret federal regulations and case law to advise agency leadership
- Conduct legal research and draft briefs, memos and guidance that help share federal programs
- Support litigation, administrative hearings and regulatory proceedings
- Administer contracts in support of large-scale federal programs
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Like researching complex topics to drive change
- Enjoy using written and oral communication skills
- Want to make a meaningful difference through the legal system
Job Series Codes
What are job series codes?
In the federal government, most jobs are grouped into “job series” based on the type of work. Each series has a four-digit code (for example, Paralegal Specialist, 0950).
How to use them:
You can use job series codes to narrow your search on USAJOBS. Start with a keyword (like “program analyst”), then add a series code for more targeted results. Here are a few examples to get you started — there are hundreds of job series codes across the federal government!
| Code | Series / category name | Common keywords | What you’ll do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0905 | General Attorney | Attorney Advisor, Trial Attorney, Civil Rights, Labor, Procurement, Immigration | Provide legal advice, litigation support and regulatory interpretation, requires bar admission |
| 0950 | Paralegal Specialist | Paralegal Specialist, Criminal, Environmental Defense, Information Services | Legal research, analysis and case preparation support, not requiring bar admission or a law degree |
| 0962 | Contact Representative | Contact Representative, Legal, Call Center | Assist the public in understanding case issues and documentation |
| 0986 | Legal Assistance | Legal Assistant, Office Automation | Review documents to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations |
| 1222 | Patent Attorney | Patent Attorney, Intellectual property | Advise on patent law, licensing and related legal actions |
Where You Could Work
The federal government is big — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to have (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many federal agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Criminal justice: Department of Justice
- Regulatory law: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- National security: Department of Defense, Office of General Counsel
Sample Positions
Paralegal Specialist (0950)
| Employer / agency | Department of the Army, Army National Guard Units |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Camp Mabry, Texas |
| Mission context | This role provides legal and administrative support to ensure the Army National Guard can carry out military actions and administrative responsibilities effectively. |
In this role, you may:
- Provide research, analysis, guidance and support to administer courts-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative boards and other legal actions and administrative processes
- Manage the State Judge Advocate SJA portion of the state/territory Alternative Dispute Resolution program
- Review changes in regulations on the Freedom of Information Act and update and advise other legal personnel and field staff of changes
General Attorney (0905)
| Employer / agency | Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Alexandria, Virginia |
| Mission context | A General Attorney at the Drug Enforcement Administration ensures the agency’s operations are lawful, safe and accountable. |
In this role, you may:
- 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
Top 10 agencies for this Field
Top 10 Most Common Jobs in this Field
Positions Currently Open on USAJOBS
Browse current federal job openings on USAJOBS and explore opportunities across agencies and career fields. Use the filters to find positions that match your skills, review requirements, and understand how to apply.
118 Results
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Multiple Appointment Types
General Attorney (Labor) (Senior Field Attorney)
National Labor Relations Board
- Closes Jul 15, 2026
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Permanent
Paralegal Specialist
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Closes Jul 15, 2026
-
Permanent
Contact Representative
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Jul 15, 2026
-
Permanent
Supervisory Trial Counsel
Securities and Exchange Commission
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Legal Assistant (Office Automation)
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
-
Permanent
Veterans Service Representative (Rating)
Veterans Benefits Administration
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Supervisory Wage and Hour Specialist
Wage and Hour Division
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
-
Permanent
Legal Administrative Specialist
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
- Closes Jul 17, 2026
-
Term
Special Assistant United States Attorney
Office of the Inspector General, USPS
- Closes Jul 17, 2026
-
Term
Special Assistant United States Attorney
Office of the Inspector General, USPS
- Closes Jul 17, 2026
