Experienced Attorneys Hiring Process
How to Apply for Experienced Attorney Positions
Experienced attorney hiring is decentralized and each office and component within Justice conducts its own recruitment process. Attorneys can apply to specific vacancy announcements or can submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest and highlighting their relevant experience to each organization where they wish to be considered for employment. Please consult the Experienced Attorney Hiring Contacts page that lists organizations that accept unsolicited resumes.
Eligibility for Experienced Attorney Positions
As a general rule, an attorney who is an active member of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction and has at least one year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience is eligible for experienced attorney position. Nevertheless, some attorney positions require greater experience and additional eligibility criteria. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices may have state specific admission requirements.
What Kind of Experience Do Justice Organizations Seek?
Given the scope of Justice’s legal practice (see component practice areas) the needs of each organization and section are defined by its respective mission, areas of practice, and the specific skills needed at the time of the vacancy. Generally, as the “Nation’s Litigator,” Justice seeks attorneys with some litigation experience; however, opportunities also exist for attorneys with other types of experience, such as legislative review, policy formulation, and legal advising.
Geographic Areas of Assignment
Some offices and components within Justice only offer employment opportunities in Washington, D.C. Other organizations, such as the Antitrust Division, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Trustee Program, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, have field offices located in cities nationwide. The 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are organized into districts and located in every state and territory. More information about Justice field office locations employing attorneys is available on the DOJ Offices by State Chart.