Understanding the Starting Salary For A Lawyer is crucial for those embarking on a legal career, especially within the U.S. federal government. For prospective attorneys considering a role in public service, the Department of Justice (DOJ) offers diverse opportunities and a structured compensation framework. This guide breaks down the salary landscape for lawyers within the DOJ, covering everything from entry-level positions to experienced roles, and the factors that influence your earning potential.
Decoding Lawyer Pay Scales: AD vs. GS
The Department of Justice employs two primary pay scales for its attorneys: the Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale and the General Schedule (GS). U.S. Attorneys’ Offices utilize the AD pay scale, authorized under Title 28 of the U.S. Code. This scale is distinct and tailored to the specific needs of these offices. Conversely, the GS scale, governed by Title 5 of the U.S. Code, applies to the majority of other DOJ attorneys. Assistant U.S. Trustees operate under a separate AD pay plan.
Federal salaries are not uniform across the nation. Geographic location plays a significant role, with attorneys in high-cost-of-living areas receiving locality pay, a percentage added to their base salary to adjust for living expenses. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides annual GS salary tables that detail base and locality pay across different regions. It’s important to note that salary ranges for Assistant U.S. Attorneys, while also location-dependent, differ from the standard GS scale and are determined by experience and responsibility level. Candidates interviewing with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices should consult specific salary information for those offices and discuss their salary expectations with the hiring team.
Entry-Level Lawyer Starting Salaries: Honors Program
For entry-level positions, particularly through the prestigious Honors Program, starting salaries are also set at the hiring office’s discretion. Honors Program attorneys joining U.S. Attorneys’ Offices adhere to the specific salary policies established for those offices under the AD pay scale.
For Honors Program attorneys under the GS scale, starting grades are determined by qualifications:
- Law Degree (J.D. or equivalent): Eligible for a GS-11, step 1.
- 1 year of post-law school full-time judicial clerkship experience: Eligible for a GS-12, step 1.
- 1 year of post-law school full-time graduate law study (LL.M. or equivalent) or qualifying full-time legal fellowship: Eligible for a GS-12, step 1.
- 2 – 3 years of full-time judicial clerkships, or a combination of 2 – 3 years of post-law school full-time clerkships, qualifying full-time legal fellowships, or a post-law school full-time graduate law degree program: Eligible for a GS-13, step 1.
These qualifications serve as benchmarks for initial placement within the GS pay scale, reflecting the value placed on advanced legal education and early practical experience.
Starting Salaries for Experienced Attorneys
Experienced attorneys entering the Department of Justice have their starting salaries determined on a case-by-case basis by the hiring office. This determination considers several factors, including the nature of the position and the candidate’s experience level and years since graduating from law school. The specific salary range for an experienced attorney position is typically outlined in the vacancy announcement for that role, providing transparency for applicants.
Promotions and Career Advancement
Attorney promotions within the DOJ are generally performance-based, coupled with time-in-grade requirements. For attorneys starting at the GS-11 level, reaching the GS-15 level within approximately three and a half years is achievable, demonstrating a clear path for career progression. However, some DOJ components may have longer time-in-grade requirements or limitations on the grade level for non-supervisory attorneys. Meeting the minimum time-in-grade is a prerequisite but does not guarantee promotion; performance remains the primary driver.
The following table outlines the minimum time-in-grade requirements for GS-scale attorneys:
| Grade Level | Minimum Time-In-Grade for Consideration |
|---|---|
| GS-11 to GS-12 | 6 months |
| GS-12 to GS-13 | 6 months if hired at the GS-12 level; otherwise, 1 year |
| GS-13 to GS-14 | 1 year |
| GS-14 to GS-15 | 18 months (can be accelerated to 12 months, depending on performance and policy of the organization) |
Entry-level Honors Program attorneys on the GS schedule are eligible for promotion from their current GS level to the next level after meeting the minimum time-in-grade and becoming a bar member in any U.S. jurisdiction. This structure encourages professional development and recognizes the attainment of bar admission as a key milestone.
Benefits: More Than Just a Salary
Beyond the starting salary, the Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package to support its employees’ well-being, both professionally and personally. These benefits encompass standard federal benefits and department-specific offerings.
Federal Benefits Highlights
- Annual Leave: Starting at a minimum of 13 days per year, increasing with federal service tenure.
- Sick Leave: 13 days earned annually, accumulating without limit.
- Paid Holidays: 10 federal holidays per year.
- Health Care Coverage: Access to a variety of health insurance plans with government contribution, including FEHB Program and Medicare coverage.
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account: Tax-advantaged accounts for eligible healthcare expenses.
- Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program: Long-term care insurance options, potentially continuing into retirement.
- Life Insurance: Low-cost life insurance through the FEGLI Program, with options for additional coverage.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): A three-tiered retirement system including social security, basic annuity, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions. FERS offers portability, ensuring benefits even if you leave federal service.
These benefits, combined with competitive starting salaries and opportunities for advancement, make a legal career within the Department of Justice a rewarding and stable path. Understanding the starting salary for a lawyer in the federal system is just the beginning of exploring a fulfilling career in public service.
Salary ranges for Assistant U.S. Attorneys
Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale
AD pay plan for Assistant U.S. Trustees
vacancy announcement
salary policies for Assistant U.S. Attorneys
Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
