Pursuing a Legal Career at the DOJ Civil Rights Division

Are you looking to make a tangible difference in the American justice system? The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division is currently hiring attorneys to support its mission of protecting the civil and constitutional rights of all people. This position offers a unique chance to engage in high-impact litigation and legal enforcement within one of the most prestigious legal agencies in the world.

Job Responsibilities

Attorneys in this division are responsible for a broad spectrum of legal duties, including:

Investigating allegations of discrimination.
Conducting extensive document reviews and evidence gathering.
Interviewing witnesses and preparing legal memoranda.
Representing the United States in federal district courts.
Negotiating settlements and remedial orders.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet strict criteria:

J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited school.
Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to pass a high-risk background investigation and drug screening.

Grade Level Comparison

Grade Level	Experience Required
GS-11	Up to one year post-J.D. experience
GS-12	Minimum one year post-J.D. experience

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $85,447 to $133,142 annually. Beyond financial compensation, the DOJ provides employees with family-friendly work environments, opportunities for alternative work schedules, and the immense professional reward of serving the public interest.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit are removed from consideration.
PDF Formatting: Always upload as a PDF to ensure your formatting remains professional.
Clarity: Ensure your job history lists specific start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.

Joining the Civil Rights Division is more than just a job; it is a commitment to upholding the standards of justice and equality in America. If you meet the qualifications and are driven by a desire to protect the vulnerable, we encourage you to submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.

Why This Attorney Job Matters

Shape the future of justice in America—join the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.

Attorney Job Overview

The Department of Justice is seeking dedicated and talented attorneys to join the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. This is an impactful opportunity to enforce federal statutes that protect against discrimination in areas including voting, education, employment, and housing, while also combating hate crimes. You will play a vital role in upholding civil and constitutional rights, working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that demands high-level legal analysis, collaboration, and professional integrity.

Requirements for Attorney

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must hold a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (if applicable for males born after 12/31/1959).
Must successfully pass a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
Maximum two-page resume requirement.
Must be willing to complete a one- or two-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney

Judicial clerkships, particularly within the federal court system.
Demonstrated experience in law review, moot court, or clinical legal programs.
Proven ability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including advocacy groups, law enforcement, witnesses, and state/federal agencies.
Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to manage complex litigation tasks.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and comprehensive benefits package.
✓Access to alternative work schedules and family-friendly workplace policies.
✓Proximity to metro transportation, museums, and D.C. amenities.
✓Opportunity to participate in meaningful public service with a high level of national impact.

💡 How to Apply Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume (maximum two pages) and required documents (cover letter, law school transcripts, and writing sample).
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire through the provided portal.
Upload all documents as PDF files to ensure formatting integrity.
Submit your complete application package by the September 30, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
Use a clean, standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Lato) and save files as PDFs to maintain document quality.
Ensure your resume includes detailed dates of employment (month/year) and the number of hours worked per week.
Clearly highlight your experience in civil rights or similar legal areas within your cover letter.
Check your application status frequently via the USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the Civil Rights Division?

The Division works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans by enforcing federal laws against discrimination and protecting against hate crimes.

Can I apply if I am currently a law student?

Current law students who will graduate and pass the bar prior to their entry on duty date may be considered.

What is the significance of the two-year trial period?

As a condition of employment, you must serve a probationary period to evaluate your fitness for the position and your contributions to the agency's mission.

Are there remote work options?

This specific position is based in Washington, D.C., and does not currently indicate remote status.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Civil Rights Division (CRT) was established to ensure that all individuals in the United States receive equal protection under the law. It enforces federal statutes that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, and citizenship status. Working here means contributing to a long history of advocacy, ranging from voting rights and education to combating human trafficking and hate crimes.