Become an Attorney with the DOJ Civil Rights Division: Your Path to Impact
Are you a seasoned legal professional looking to use your advocacy skills to defend the constitutional rights of all Americans? The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division is currently seeking motivated, highly skilled attorneys to join its team. This is more than a job; it is a commitment to upholding the most fundamental rights of our society.
Job Responsibilities
Attorneys within the Division tackle multifaceted legal challenges. Your daily duties may include:
- Investigation: Conducting deep-dive investigations into allegations of discrimination.
- Evidence Handling: Reviewing thousands of documents to build a compelling narrative for litigation.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Presenting evidence before federal grand juries and litigating cases in federal courts.
- Collaboration: Working with expert witnesses, federal agencies, and community stakeholders.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited school, and maintain active bar membership in good standing. Candidates must also meet the following experience criteria:
| Grade Level | Minimum Post-J.D. Experience |
|---|---|
| GS-13 | 1.5 Years |
| GS-14 | 2.5 Years |
| GS-15 | 4.0 Years |
Salary and Benefits
Positions are available at the GS-13 to GS-15 levels, offering a salary range of $121,785 to $197,200 annually. Beyond the competitive pay, federal employees enjoy world-class benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, robust retirement planning, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance through flexible schedules.
Application Tips
- Follow the Resume Rules: The 2-page limit is firm. Over-length resumes will be removed from consideration.
- Proofread Carefully: Use clean fonts like Lato or Arial and ensure all your formatting is consistent.
- The Writing Sample Matters: Submit a high-quality analytical piece that demonstrates your ability to frame complex legal arguments clearly.
Working for the Civil Rights Division is a profound opportunity to serve the public interest. If you meet the criteria and have a passion for justice, submit your application before the March 31, 2027 deadline.
Why This Attorney Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on justice in America by serving as an Attorney within the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, where your legal expertise protects the fundamental rights of every citizen.
Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division is currently accepting applications for experienced Attorneys to join our mission-driven team in Washington, D.C. Established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, this division serves as the guardian of the nation's civil and constitutional rights. We are seeking dedicated legal professionals to enforce federal statutes that prohibit discrimination in critical areas such as voting, housing, employment, disability rights, and criminal justice. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex, high-stakes litigation that shapes the future of civil rights in the United States.
Requirements for Attorney
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active member in good standing of any state or territory bar
- Minimum of 1.5 to 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience depending on grade level
- Registration for Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and drug screening
- Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages)
- Submission of a legal writing sample (maximum 10 pages)
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney
- Proven academic excellence
- Substantive expertise in civil rights, constitutional law, or related enforcement areas
- Experience with federal judicial clerkships
- Participation in law review or moot court programs
- Clinical legal experience
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including witnesses, advocacy groups, and governmental agencies
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Flexible work schedules and family-friendly workplace policies
- ✓Access to public transportation and prime D.C. locations
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account to access the application portal
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire
- Upload all required documents, including your resume, J.D. transcripts, and a 10-page writing sample
- Submit your application package before the closing date of March 31, 2027
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; extra pages will result in disqualification.
- Save and upload all documents in PDF format to maintain document integrity.
- Highlight specific, quantifiable legal accomplishments rather than just job responsibilities.
- Be sure to list your start/end dates by month and year for every position held.
- Clear any special characters from file names to prevent technical upload errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of experience is required for this attorney position?
Requirements scale with the grade: GS-13 requires 1.5 years, GS-14 requires 2.5 years, and GS-15 requires 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Is a security clearance required?
While a formal 'security clearance' is not listed as a prerequisite, all applicants must pass a background investigation and a drug screening as part of the suitability and fitness determination.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
Generally, DOJ positions require U.S. Citizenship. Non-citizen appointments are extremely rare and only occur under very specific legal exceptions.
Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions
The Civil Rights Division (CRT) was born from the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Since its inception, it has served as the frontline for enforcing federal laws that protect the rights of every citizen regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability. Whether it is ensuring equitable access to housing, protecting voting rights, or investigating police misconduct, the CRT is essential to the American judicial landscape.