There are
numerous government jobs at the federal, state and local levels
for attorneys who know how to find them.
In addition to the Department of Justice (see
prosecutor and public defender jobs) most of the 50+ federal
executive branch agencies have attorneys serving on their
staffs. The United States Environmental Protection Agency,
the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the United States
Department of Labor are just a few of the federal agencies
that depend heavily on attorneys. The United States Government
employs over 140,000 people in legal-related positions at
the federal level. In addition, there are numerous opportunities
for attorneys in the federal legislature working for congressmen,
senators and other elected officials.
Every state has an Attorney General's office that represents
the state in litigation. In addition, State Attorney General's
offices provide advice to numerous state agencies. Many state
agencies also have legal departments which deal with sectors
as diverse as health, the environment and transportation.
In addition, there are numerous positions for attorneys in
state legislative offices.
Virtually every American city, county, municipality, school
district and board of education employs attorneys. In larger
metropolitan areas, cities may have in-house counsel for city
agencies dealing with welfare, water or civil rights, among
others.
