Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Department of Justice

Are you a motivated legal professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division is currently seeking talented individuals for Entry-Level Attorney positions in Washington, D.C. This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the most prestigious legal organizations in the United States and contribute to the enforcement of laws that protect the rights of all citizens.

Job Responsibilities

As a Trial Attorney, you will be deeply involved in the lifecycle of legal enforcement. Core responsibilities include:

Investigation: Reviewing allegations of civil rights violations and gathering evidence.
Litigation: Drafting legal memoranda, conducting document reviews, and representing the government in federal court.
Collaboration: Working with expert witnesses, federal partners, and community stakeholders.
Negotiation: Mediating disputes and enforcing remedial orders and settlement agreements.

Specialized Sections Overview

Section	Focus Area
Criminal	Investigates civil rights deprivations and hate crimes
Disability Rights	Implements the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Voting	Safeguards voting rights via federal statutes
Housing	Protects access to fair housing and lending

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must:

Hold a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by the start date.
Be a U.S. citizen or national.
Submit a resume of no more than two pages.
Provide a writing sample (maximum 10 pages) demonstrating analytical ability.

Salary Overview

Compensation for these roles is determined by experience level and the GS-scale structure. Selected candidates can expect a starting range between $85,447 and $133,142 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level (GS-11/12).

Benefits

Working for the DOJ provides comprehensive support for your professional and personal life, including:

Federal health insurance and life coverage.
Participation in the federal retirement system.
Access to alternative work schedules and family-friendly workplace policies.
Proximity to Washington, D.C. cultural and public transportation hubs.

Application Tips

Follow Formatting Rules: Use standard, readable fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and strictly adhere to the two-page limit for your resume.
PDF is Best: Upload documents in PDF format to prevent issues with text corruption or page-count miscalculation.
Tailor Your Content: Ensure your resume clearly lists dates of employment and hours worked per week, as this is essential for verifying experience.
Proofread: Submit a clean, error-free writing sample that best reflects your analytical capabilities.

Joining the Civil Rights Division is a significant career move for any aspiring attorney. If you have the drive, the analytical rigor, and a commitment to equality, we encourage you to submit your application and help the DOJ uphold the rule of law.

Why This Attorney (Entry-Level) Job Matters

Shape the future of justice. The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking dedicated legal professionals to defend civil rights and uphold the constitutional protections of all Americans.

Attorney (Entry-Level) Job Overview

The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is currently accepting applications for entry-level Attorney positions. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact legal work, ranging from enforcing anti-discrimination statutes to prosecuting violations of constitutional rights. Attorneys in this division work across various specialized sections, including voting rights, disability rights, housing, and criminal justice, ensuring that justice is accessible and equal for all.

Requirements for Attorney (Entry-Level)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Possess a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by entry on duty.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to complete a successful background investigation.
Serve a one or two-year trial period.
Limit resume to a maximum of two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney (Entry-Level)

Federal judicial clerkship experience.
Participation in law review or moot court.
Clinical legal experience.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including advocacy groups, law enforcement, and government agencies.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Opportunities for professional development
✓Work-life balance with potential for alternative work schedules
✓Convenient access to Washington, D.C. public transportation and urban amenities

💡 How to Apply Attorney (Entry-Level) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney (Entry-Level) Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) and a brief writing sample (max 10 pages).
Gather necessary documentation, including law school transcripts and any applicable veterans' preference forms.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the application link.
Submit your full application package before the March 31, 2027, deadline.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS applicant dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
Use a clear, standard font like Arial or Calibri with 0.5-inch margins for readability.
Submit your resume in PDF format to ensure formatting consistency.
Clearly outline your professional experience with start and end dates and average hours worked per week.
Highlight any relevant civil rights coursework or internships in your cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bar exam required before I apply?

You must be an active member of the bar by your entry on duty date. Law students or graduates preparing for the February 2027 bar exam are eligible to apply.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.

Does the DOJ offer veterans' preference for attorney positions?

While the traditional point-based system is not used for excepted service attorney appointments, veterans' preference eligibility is considered as a positive factor in the selection process.

What is the deadline for this application?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until March 31, 2027.

Is there a residency requirement?

You must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizen appointments are extremely rare and only under specific conditions.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Civil Rights Division is the primary institution responsible for upholding the civil and constitutional rights of Americans. Established following the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the division remains at the forefront of national efforts to end discrimination based on race, religion, disability, national origin, and more. Working here means engaging with complex, high-stakes litigation that shapes federal policy.