Federal Government Lawyers

Does anyone have any employment experience with the Department of Energy? Do you mind sharing your thoughts?

What step on the GS scale do attorneys start at? I thought it was always step 1 but I have also heard of ex-biglaw attorneys coming in at step 10 because their previous salary exceeded the government … more

Been waiting for an interim clearance for what feels like forever, USAO job. Submitted eQIP mid-March. HR says no updates, we just need to wait on OARM. Can’t quit current job but losing my mind here.… more

How badly is this debt ceiling thing going to delay my background check?

Does anyone know anything being an attorney for FinCEN or Treasury in general?

Not a question, but, if you are interested in moving to govt., there is a rare opportunity to join the Market Participants Division of the CFTC. See USAJOBS.

Would anyone have insight into the criminal antitrust division of the DOJ? What’s a “normal” week look like? Is remote work once or twice a week an option?

Those who came from big law, any tips for adjusting to the pay cut?

Does anyone have any familiarity with MDFL? Looking at AUSA positions in this district and wondering about the reputation, exit ops, etc

Apologies; reposting because I was on public mode so Im reposting anonymously. If anyone knows of any firms or organizations that do Bivens/1983 actions in PA or DC I would love to know of any. I real… more

I have a start date with the DOJ in July. Does anyone know if the debt ceiling will affect this, should it not get raised?

Anybody works, or knows someone who works, at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or the CA state agency equivalent?

Just completed (haven’t submitted yet, want to proof it all) my e-QIP. The one concern I have that I might get a ding for is my honest answer to providing financial support to a foreign national. I … more

Is there no published Administratively Determined Pay Plan chart for 2023? DOJ’s website still shows the 2022 chart which indicates it was posted in Jan 2022. I know OPM posted 2023 GS pay charts, loc… more

Big law associate who just got an offer at DOJ. How long does the background check process take? When did you notify your firm that you were leaving? What was life like for you after you notified th… more

Biglaw junior litigator. Dream job is to be an AUSA. What steps should I be thinking about to make myself a competitive candidate? I’m not interested in leaving current firm yet, but I know it’s somet… more

For an AUSA, how long after the offer/submitting your SF-86 does it take to receive interim clearance/until you can start working? Also a second question - how long until your current employer finds … more

For USAO AUSA offers, would you take: 1) offer in a medium-sized district in State 1 where you would be instantly starting in the specialized unit you want to work in (and doing only those types of cr… more

interviewed a few weeks back and got a follow up request for references. anyone have insight on how good of a sign this is? trying not to get ahead of myself…

Those who successfully obtained remote work approval within DOJ, any tips or tricks?

Could people share timelines for how long it took from submitting eQIP/fingerprinting/drug test to being given interim clearance?

Former biglaw fish that went to FTC consumer protection/regional office - happy with the decision? Have you stuck around and, if not, where did you go from there?
Any insight is much appreciated.

If I have an interview pending for a criminal AUSA role, but a new position for civil AUSA opens up, am I allowed to apply for that or would it hurt my candidacy ?

My interview was now 3 months ago for an AUSA position. Still haven't heard if I have made it to the next round. Not loving this waiting.

If you start out at USAO D.C. (Superior Court Division), is it difficult to go federal (either D.C. on the federal side, another USAO, or Main Justice) after your 4 year stint? If your goal was to be… more

Would anyone mind discussing what a day-to-day looks like for an enforcement attorney with HHS?

I interviewed almost 5 weeks ago for my government attorney position. Still haven't heard back. When I first interviewed I was told they were in a hurry to fill the position. Now I am told they … more

Does anyone do pro bono outside of their regular work?

Anyone made a switch to another fed agency?
I currently work from home. The work is comfortable and convenient but I feel very isolated and I don't feel like I'm growing as an attorney. I'… more

Anyone have any tips on how to stand out in the bottomless pit that is USAJobs? Really trying to go the federal route but it seems like it’s either luck of the draw or no luck at all lol

Anyone have any tips on how to stand out in the bottomless pit that is USAJobs? Really trying to go the federal route but it seems like it’s either luck of the draw or no luck at all lol

Hello! Is anyone here an attorney at the CFPB and willing to chat about their experience? I have an upcoming interview and would love to connect beforehand.

Anyone been an attorney at the small business administration? Are the reviews really as bleak as they say?

Honestly becoming an attorney advisor sounds like the dream job from where I’m sitting after three years in private practice. My biggest concern- can you practice in states outside the one your licens… more

I had an interview for an AUSA job I really want this week. I am going to go nuts waiting. That's it.

Feeling very defeated / unsure if I just dislike the area of law I’m in or the legal profession in general. I’m at a firm and think I might just hate the unpredictability and billable hour requirement… more

Did anyone who went straight from law school or clerking to government practice ever regret not working at a firm first or feel that their career development was impacted in any way by not having that… more

What attorney advisor positions are typically involved in investigations and what type of work does that involve? I know some trial attorneys do this type of work but I’m not really interested in liti… more