Launch Your Career: Attorney Positions at the DOJ Civil Rights Division
Are you a dedicated legal professional eager to make a tangible impact on the American justice system? The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division is currently seeking experienced attorneys to join its prestigious team in Washington, D.C. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on the front lines of constitutional and civil rights enforcement, influencing policy and protecting the rights of millions.
Job Responsibilities
As a Trial Attorney, your daily impact is significant. You will be responsible for:
- Investigating civil rights complaints and potential legal violations.
- Conducting document reviews and evaluating complex evidence.
- Drafting legal memoranda and presenting evidence to federal grand juries.
- Representing the United States in federal court litigation.
- Managing negotiations and settlement agreements to ensure remedial compliance.
Comparison of Potential Grade Levels
| Grade | Experience Required | Typical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-13 | 1.5 Years | Early to Mid-Level Litigation Support |
| GS-14 | 2.5 Years | Lead Counsel on Complex Cases |
| GS-15 | 4+ Years | Senior Oversight and Policy Enforcement |
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive role, you must hold a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited school and be an active, good-standing member of any state or federal bar. Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must also be prepared to undergo a rigorous background check.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $121,785 and $197,200 annually. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including medical and life insurance, generous retirement options, and the potential for flexible work schedules.
Application Tips
- Mind the Length: Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Be Detailed: Ensure your employment history includes specific month/year start and end dates.
- Quality Over Quantity: Submit a writing sample that showcases your analytical and persuasive legal writing at its best.
Serving as an attorney within the Civil Rights Division is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of American society. If you possess the experience, drive, and dedication required, we encourage you to apply before the September 30, 2026, deadline.
Why This Attorney Job Matters
Take the lead in upholding justice—the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is seeking dedicated attorneys to champion equality and enforce federal law.
Attorney Job Overview
The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division invites experienced legal professionals to join our team in Washington, D.C. As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in enforcing federal statutes that protect the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans. From voting rights and fair housing to employment discrimination and disability rights, your work will directly impact the lives of our nation's most vulnerable populations. This is a challenging, high-stakes environment where your expertise will help ensure that the promise of equal opportunity is a reality for everyone.
Requirements for Attorney
- Possession of a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active, good-standing membership in the bar of any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Registration with the Selective Service for male applicants born after 12/31/1959.
- Minimum post-JD experience: 1.5 years (GS-13), 2.5 years (GS-14), or 4 years (GS-15).
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation.
- Ability to serve a one- or two-year probationary trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney
- Experience with federal judicial clerkships.
- Participation in law review, moot court, or clinical legal programs.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse groups, including witnesses, advocacy organizations, and government entities.
- Substantive expertise in civil rights statutes and relevant regulatory frameworks.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Access to comprehensive health and life insurance plans
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Opportunities for alternative work schedules
- ✓Proximity to public transportation, cultural centers, and D.C. amenities
💡 How to Apply Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Job
- Create or sign in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, formatted in a clean, professional font.
- Compile required documents: Cover letter, JD transcripts, writing sample (max 10 pages), and any applicable veteran or Schedule A documentation.
- Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date of 09/30/2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Save your resume and documents as PDFs to maintain formatting integrity.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, as applications that exceed this will be excluded.
- Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica for readability.
- Proofread your writing sample carefully to ensure it demonstrates high-level analytical capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Generally, DOJ positions require U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens are rarely appointed and only in very narrow, mission-critical circumstances.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Resumes must not exceed two pages. Any submission exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Does the DOJ provide veterans' preference for this role?
While the formal 'point' system used in competitive service is not applied here, the Department of Justice considers veteran status a positive factor in the attorney hiring process.
Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions
Created following the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Civil Rights Division stands as the nation's primary enforcement arm for federal statutes that prohibit discrimination. Whether working on voting rights, housing, or disability access, the Division’s attorneys are committed to upholding the rights of the most vulnerable members of our society. Working here means joining an agency that values diversity, excellence, and the rule of law.