Cecily Zamora
A law degree can open doors to a variety of government jobs, which are attractive due to their relatively high job security, broad benefits package, and predictable working hours. Local, state, and federal governments offer diverse opportunities for law graduates, including working in sectors such as education, defense, agriculture, energy, and human services. County and city governments, in particular, require legal experts for a range of issues, from public finance and real estate to tort claims and tax. The federal government also provides opportunities in public health and safety, defense, economic regulation, and diplomacy, among others. For those interested in public service, government jobs offer meaningful work, competitive salaries, and eligibility for loan forgiveness programs. Furthermore, government attorneys often gain significant responsibility early in their careers, taking on their own caseloads and gaining valuable experience in litigation, policy-making, and advising government officials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor's degree is necessary, and some roles may prefer candidates with a master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) degree. |
| Academic Background | Law, public policy, political science, criminal justice, public health, and related fields emphasizing societal welfare. |
| Work Hours | Predictable working hours, with a standard 40-hour workweek and higher-than-average paid time off. |
| Job Security | Relatively high job security and a broad range of benefits. |
| Salary | Attorney positions in the federal government typically pay well, with grades and steps based on the General Service Pay Scale. |
| Opportunities | Local, state, and federal government agencies offer various opportunities, including county and city attorney offices, legislative and executive branches, and federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. |
| Experience | Government jobs provide early career responsibility and diverse practice areas, including criminal law, employment law, environmental law, and government contracting. |
| Hiring Process | Job openings may be found on agency websites, USAJobs.gov, or through alumni networks. Internships and honors programs are also available through agencies and the Department of Justice. |
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What You'll Learn
City and county attorney offices
City attorneys generally handle civil cases, advising the city on legal matters and representing it in court. They advise city officials on a wide range of matters, including nuisances, tax law, and municipal annexations. They also advise the city's legislative body, such as a city council, on the legality of proposed actions and assist in drafting ordinances and resolutions. In some jurisdictions, city attorneys act as prosecutors for low-level criminal cases, such as public drunkenness, traffic violations, or violations of municipal health regulations.
City attorneys must possess strong interpersonal skills as they build relationships with clients, colleagues, and the legal community. Problem-solving skills are also critical, as attorneys must evaluate information, propose solutions, and mediate disputes.
County and city governments provide opportunities for legal experts to work at the local level, and these positions may be more accessible than federal jobs. These roles offer valuable experience in the political process, policy-making, and drafting bills, as well as advising elected officials.
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Federal government careers
The Department of Justice (DOJ) also offers numerous avenues for aspiring lawyers. The DOJ's Attorney General's Honors Program provides entry-level positions for law school graduates, while its Law Student Programs offer both paid and volunteer opportunities during the school year or summer. The legislative branch of the government, including Congress, is another avenue where attorneys can work on drafting and passing legislation, gaining valuable experience in the political process and policymaking.
When pursuing federal government careers, it is important to explore various job portals and resources. USAJobs.gov is the official site for federal job postings, although some agencies only post openings on their websites or resume banks. The Government Honors and Internship Handbook is another valuable resource for externships and internships. Networking is also crucial, and contacting alumni from your law school who work in federal agencies can provide insights into the hiring process and potential openings.
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Legislative, executive and judicial branches
A degree in government law can lead to a variety of career paths within the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Each branch offers unique opportunities for individuals interested in shaping and interpreting the laws that govern our society.
Within the legislative branch, one can find work as a legislative aide or analyst, researching and drafting bills, and advising lawmakers on legal matters. This branch is responsible for creating and passing laws, so those with a strong understanding of the law and the legislative process can play a crucial role in shaping policy. Legislative lawyers also ensure that bills comply with the constitution and existing laws and advise on potential conflicts or challenges.
The executive branch offers opportunities to put laws into practice and oversee the day-to-day administration of the government. Government lawyers in this branch may work for specific government departments or agencies, providing legal advice and ensuring that policies and actions comply with the law. They may also represent the government in legal proceedings, including civil and criminal cases. For example, prosecutors and public defenders fall under the executive branch, as they are responsible for enforcing the law and representing the people in criminal cases.
The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying the law, and it offers a range of careers for those with a government law background. Judicial lawyers may work as judges' clerks, assisting with legal research and drafting opinions. They may also become judges themselves, presiding over court proceedings and making decisions based on the interpretation of the law. Additionally, they can work as court administrators, managing the day-to-day operations of courts and ensuring fair and efficient judicial processes.
Some lawyers also choose to specialize in a particular area of government law, such as international law, constitutional law, or administrative law, which deals with the functions of government agencies and the legal rights of citizens affected by their actions. These lawyers may work across all three branches, providing expertise in their specific field.
Pursuing a career in government law allows individuals to directly impact the creation, execution, and interpretation of laws, shaping the very foundation of our society and ensuring fair and just governance. It is a diverse and challenging field, offering a range of opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the legal system.
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Local government agencies
When it comes to local government agencies, there are a plethora of opportunities for those with a background in government law. These agencies are responsible for a wide range of services and functions that directly impact the community, offering an array of legal roles to choose from.
One of the most direct routes is to work as a local government lawyer. These lawyers provide legal advice and services to the local government and represent the municipality in various legal matters. They ensure that the local government complies with state and federal laws and offer counsel on a variety of issues, including land use, employment law, contracts, and civil rights. Local government lawyers may also prosecute or defend the municipality in court, draft and review laws and policies, and negotiate contracts.
Another option is to pursue a role as a legislative analyst or policy advisor. In this position, you would work closely with local legislators and provide expertise on the legal implications of proposed policies and laws. You would analyze and interpret laws, research legal issues, and advise on the potential impact of policies on the community. Policy advisors often work with multiple departments and play a crucial role in shaping the direction of local legislation.
Additionally, those with a government law background can find opportunities in administrative roles within local government agencies. These positions often involve managing and overseeing the implementation of laws and policies. For example, you could work as a city manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the municipality, ensuring that laws and policies are executed effectively, and coordinating between various departments.
Working for local government agencies offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the community and shape the policies that govern daily life. With a background in government law, you can play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient, effective, and legal operation of these agencies.
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Internships
A degree in government and law can open up a variety of career paths, including internships that offer valuable experience and insight into this field. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn about the day-to-day workings of the government and legal fields. They can also help you develop valuable skills and build a network of professional contacts.
There are many government and law-related internships available, both at the local and federal levels, as well as within the private sector. These internships can vary in length and structure, but they typically involve working closely with professionals in the field and gaining practical experience. For example, you may find internships in political campaigns, law firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations that focus on legal or governmental issues.
When looking for internships in this field, a good place to start is by checking websites and job boards specifically targeted towards government and law jobs. Many government agencies, as well as political organizations, advertise internship opportunities online. You can also reach out directly to organizations or individuals working in the field to inquire about potential internship openings. Networking is key, so be sure to attend industry events, join relevant clubs or societies, and utilize any connections you may have.
During your internship, you can expect to gain a range of valuable skills and experiences. You may be involved in researching and analyzing policies, drafting documents, attending meetings or hearings, assisting with legal cases, or even participating in community outreach and education initiatives. These opportunities will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the government and legal fields, and many internships also allow you to specialize in a particular area of interest.
It is important to approach your internship with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and take on a variety of tasks. This is a great opportunity to develop transferable skills that will be beneficial throughout your career, such as communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Showing initiative and a strong work ethic during your internship can also lead to positive references and potentially even job offers down the line.
Overall, internships in the field of government and law provide a fantastic stepping stone for those looking to pursue a career in this area. They offer a unique insight into the day-to-day workings of the industry and allow you to build a strong foundation of skills and connections that will serve you well in your future endeavors. So, if you're interested in government and law, be sure to explore the internship opportunities available and take advantage of this great way to get your foot in the door.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of jobs that you can get with a law degree in the government sector. These include:
- Attorney
- Legal consultant
- Foreign service officer
- District attorney
- Public defender
- State attorney general
- Federal prosecutor
- City attorney
- County attorney
- Judge
- Staff attorney
- Judicial clerk
Government jobs tend to offer more predictable working hours and more paid time off. The workweek for government employees is generally 40 hours, whereas in a private law firm, you may regularly work more than that. Beginning government employees get 10 holidays, 13 days of vacation, and 13 days of sick leave every year. Government jobs may also offer better job security and higher pay.
There are a few ways to find a job in the government sector with a law degree. You can search for job openings on government websites, such as USAJobs.gov, or on the individual websites of federal agencies. You can also contact your law school alumni network to see if anyone works in an agency that interests you and can explain the hiring process. Additionally, you can look into internship opportunities with the government, as this can help get your resume noticed.
