Has it been historically hard to get a job as a federal attorney

[Anonymous]

How hard is it to land a job in say DOJ or DOL?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How hard is it to land a job in say DOJ or DOL?

Prestigious and/or higher paying gigs are very hard to get. Just getting in somewhere isnt too difficult. And just saying DOJ doesn't mean much - are you taking OLC, Civil Appellate, etc or BOP?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Hard even in non prestigious jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Hard even in non prestigious jobs.

The easiest federal attorney job to get is at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). The work environment there is so bad that BVA is always hiring. BVA used to hire nearly every candidate; however, management instituted a writing test about three years or so because the new attorney hires could barely write complete sentences. If you can write coherent complete sentences, you won’t have any problem passing the test and getting hired is almost guaranteed. Of course, keep in mind that if you don’t do well, BVA management will force you to resign in less than a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Hard even in non prestigious jobs.

The easiest federal attorney job to get is at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). The work environment there is so bad that BVA is always hiring. BVA used to hire nearly every candidate; however, management instituted a writing test about three years or so because the new attorney hires could barely write complete sentences. If you can write coherent complete sentences, you won’t have any problem passing the test and getting hired is almost guaranteed. Of course, keep in mind that if you don’t do well, BVA management will force you to resign in less than a year.

I meant more something along the lines of an agency’s general counsel’s office or a program attorney or policy position

[Anonymous]

Are you a recent grad?

Check with either of these two.
https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/entry-level-attorneys
https://www.pmf.gov/

Note the PMF program is for all categories not just attorneys. Honestly if you’ve been in the work force, it’s pretty hard unless you know someone. They’d rather hire two people cheaply than one person at a higher salary.

[Anonymous]

What do you mean "hard"?

Are you currently in private practice? What is your experience? Have you shown an interest in public interest work, are you one of those that looked down on government employees until you kept getting passed over for promotions?

[Anonymous]

As I understand, most openings draw hundreds of applications. Typically you'll need highly relevant experience for the particular job posting to even get an interview; a V100 general commercial lit background won't get you interviews at DOL, DHS, etc.

[Anonymous]

How hard is it to land a job in say DOJ or DOL?


Prestigious and/or higher paying gigs are very hard to get. Just getting in somewhere isnt too difficult. And just saying DOJ doesn't mean much - are you taking OLC, Civil Appellate, etc or BOP?

I mean, OLC and Civil Appellate is almost impossibile for all but the most exceptionally qualified people, but it isn't easy to get a job with BOP, even as a normal attorney with normal qualifications, especially if you want to enter at the GS14/15 pay scale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As I understand, most openings draw hundreds of applications. Typically you'll need highly relevant experience for the particular job posting to even get an interview; a V100 general commercial lit background won't get you interviews at DOL, DHS, etc.

This. You need to be highly qualified, and unless you're coming in at an entry level (eg DOJ honors), you also need highly relevant experience.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all! I'm thinking more about my Dad, hired at DOL in the 1970s. We're doing a toast (virtual) for his milestone birthday, and talking a bit about his professional accomplishments. I'd like to say something about DOL and if it was a tough to score job back then . He rose to top ranks by retirement. His memory isn't what it once was so looking for context. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all! I'm thinking more about my Dad, hired at DOL in the 1970s. We're doing a toast (virtual) for his milestone birthday, and talking a bit about his professional accomplishments. I'd like to say something about DOL and if it was a tough to score job back then . He rose to top ranks by retirement. His memory isn't what it once was so looking for context. Thank you!

lol. Federal hiring was a joke back then. Weren’t nearly as many law schools and lawyers, and working at a large law firm wasn’t nearly as terrible as now.

[Anonymous]

I’ve gotten fed attorney jobs twice without much drama. I have a good resume and some connections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all! I'm thinking more about my Dad, hired at DOL in the 1970s. We're doing a toast (virtual) for his milestone birthday, and talking a bit about his professional accomplishments. I'd like to say something about DOL and if it was a tough to score job back then . He rose to top ranks by retirement. His memory isn't what it once was so looking for context. Thank you!

lol. Federal hiring was a joke back then. Weren’t nearly as many law schools and lawyers, and working at a large law firm wasn’t nearly as terrible as now.

?? Wow. Way to insult.