Civil Division Attorney Employment

The Civil Division of the Department of Justice, which represents the Federal Government in court, handles many of the most challenging and highest visibility cases.  Its attorneys routinely litigate matters involving billions of dollars and highly-contentious issues of national importance.

We invite you to consider a challenging and rewarding career as an attorney with the Civil Division. The Civil Division is the largest litigating Division within the Justice Department, and we offer new attorneys experience unobtainable elsewhere in the legal profession. We are committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome exceptional legal professionals whose insight and experience will enhance our representation of the U.S. Government and the American people.

Unlike many of their private sector counterparts, new Civil Division trial attorneys quickly receive substantial litigation responsibilities. They determine strategy and tactics, prepare pleadings and briefs, and manage discovery and trial proceedings. Civil Division attorneys may handle cases alone or as a member of a team, depending on the matter at hand. New attorneys can expect to serve as "first chair" at either the trial or appellate level during their first year with the Division.

Hiring for all Department of Justice attorneys is coordinated through the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management (OARM). The DOJ hires entry-level attorneys through the highly competitive Attorney General Honors’ Program and experienced attorneys via lateral hire. To learn more about working as an attorney with the Department, please visit OARM's webpage.

For the Department of Justice’s official attorney vacancies listing, please visit OARM’s Attorney Vacancies page.

Individuals interested in exploring a career as a Civil Division attorney should view the Civil Division Recruitment Brochure for more information about the Civil Division.