why work for state government attorney

The number one advantage of a government legal job is the fact that you can have work hours that are close to a 9-to-5 job. You can also have a flexible work schedule; some lawyers have every other Monday off, others have job share situations with other attorneys.

Full Answer

How does a state attorney work in the US?

How a State's Attorney Works. A State's Attorney, along with a phalanx of Assistant State's Attorneys, prosecutes criminal and civil cases for the people. Prosecuting attorneys are the voice of the people in America's courtrooms, enforcing the law and representing the duly elected government at all levels.

Why do you work for the government?

1) Mission – As shown in a previous GovLoop poll, most people work for the government because of the mission. I’m 100% in this camp. I believe it is absolutely important to have an effective and efficient government.

What does the county attorney's office do?

The County Attorney there advises the county board of commissioners and the county administrator, represents the county in legal actions, and negotiates on behalf of the county in employment and other contract situations.

What is the difference between a county attorney and state attorney?

State's Attorneys generally represent a defined geographic area, such as a county, judicial district or judicial circuit. These generally hold the title of County Attorney, District Attorney or Circuit Attorney, respectively. State's Attorneys can also represent a city and be known as a City Attorney.

What Is A Government Lawyer?

In almost every aspect of law (both domestically and internationally), government lawyers work at the federal, state, and local levels (for example...

What Are Government Lawyers Called?

Attorneys who work in government branches are called government attorneys. The jurisdiction in which government attorney works determines what type...

What Is The Role Of A Government Lawyer?

Governing bodies make laws to protect the rights of citizens and to regulate society. The laws exist locally, state-wide, and federally, although p...

How Do You Become A Government Lawyer?

The licensing process varies by state based on whether an attorney is a private or governmental entity. The following educational steps must be com...

How to Get A Job As A Government Attorney?

Taking the bar exam and meeting the educational requirements are both prerequisites for working as a government attorney.See if any job openings ar...

What Is The Average Salary For A Government Attorney?

According to your experience and the type of institution you work for, your salary will vary as a government employee. Based on the Bureau of Labor...

How are state attorneys elected?

In general, State's Attorneys are elected by the people they represent. Their duties are spelled out in the laws of the local governments they represent, and they're held accountable by the voters for how well they do their jobs and how well their performance matches up with the local politics of the area. But a State's Attorney hardly ever does ...

How do police arrest a suspect?

First, police file a warrant or charging request with the State's Attorney following an investigation. Attorneys review the request and may decide to issue a warrant, which allows the police to arrest the suspect. An arraignment in court follows, at which the suspect is formally charged with a crime and enters a plea.

What is the job of a criminal prosecutor?

Criminal prosecutions are the chief duty of most State's Attorney offices. In many states, such as Michigan, criminal prosecutions follow a predetermined series of steps [source: Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan ]. First, police file a warrant or charging request with the State's Attorney following an investigation.

What is the process of discovery?

Before a trial takes place, the process of discovery takes place, at which the State's Attorney and the defense attorney share information they intend to introduce as evidence at trial. This can include physical or written depositions of witnesses to find out what they know, written questions called interrogatories which the other side must complete, and review of documents and evidence in the case [source: American Bar Association ].

How many states have grand jury indictments?

About half the 50 states use grand jury indictments in criminal prosecutions. Grand juries hear cases brought by State's Attorneys, and only the evidence and witnesses presented by the State's Attorney are considered.

What happens before a trial?

Before a trial takes place, the process of discovery takes place, at which the State's Attorney and the defense attorney share information they intend to introduce as evidence at trial.

What is the job of a state attorney?

A State's Attorney, along with a phalanx of Assistant State's Attorneys, prosecutes criminal and civil cases for the people.

What is pro bono law?

Pro bono organizations and volunteer attorneys have worked together to develop projects designed to provide pro bono opportunities tailored to the restrictions faced by government employees. Projects seek to accommodate government attorneys by providing opportunities outside of working hours, providing a location to meet with clients, or finding an area of law - such as children's SSI claims - that does not present a conflict of interest.

What is ALAS in Georgia?

Developing relationships with top-level government attorneys may produce unexpected benefits. In Georgia, Atlanta Legal Aid Society (ALAS) worked closely with Governor Roy Barnes in designing anti-predatory lending legislation, which was then enacted by the Georgia legislature. As a result of the relationship that the program developed with Governor Barnes, he served as a volunteer attorney with the ALAS for six months after leaving office. His example of continued support and commitment to pro bono work is an example for other government attorneys.

What is ABA 121A?

The ABA Resolution 121A urges government attorneys to provide pro bono services. 121A also encourages government offices adopt written policies and procedures to enable and encourage employees to engage in pro bono work.

What is a pro bono committee?

The Committee sets policy for the Program, provides its administrative support, and resolves any question about potential conflicts of interest . A number of federal and state agencies have established pro bono policies for attorneys employed by the agency. Examples of such policies include:

What is the King County Bar Association?

The King County Bar Association ("KCBA") developed several successful projects for government attorneys. The KCBA worked with the Washington Department of Labor attorneys to provide legal advice on wage claims through Casa Latina, a day laborers' organization. In another project, local prosecutors participated in regular clinics at homeless shelters. Additionally, local prosecutors adopted a women's shelter and conducted legal clinics twice per month on their lunch hour.

What is the largest pool of volunteers?

Government Attorneys. In many locations, such as state capitals, government attorneys are the largest pool of potential volunteers. In other locations, such as very rural counties, government attorneys may represent a large percentage of available volunteers. As a result, pro bono programs and government agencies are designing new ways ...

What is LSNF in Florida?

Legal Services of North Florida ("LSNF") developed an active government attorney involvement in its homeless project, night clinic program, senior citizen center intake and advice clinic, and telephone hotline. The telephone hotline was sponsored by different agencies such as the Florida Attorney Generals Office, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Tallahassee attorney's office.

Variety: The Spice of Life

To provide legal services to a locality is a privilege because of the tremendous opportunity it affords for a career in public service. The role of a local government attorney carries unique responsibilities that do not always carry over to the private sector.

Bye-Bye, Billable Hours. Hello, Quality of Life

There is something to be said about having a good quality of life. The local government's legal community is filled with attorneys who left private practice to work in local government. A common complaint among attorneys leaving the private sector for local government was the poor quality of life they experienced under the billable hours model.

Karla D. Carter

Karla D. Carter is an assistant city attorney for the City of Suffolk, Virginia, where she handles real estate, land use, economic development, and environmental matters.

How many hours does the federal government work?

The federal government has had alternative work schedules for awhile (4-day workweeks and 5/4/9 schedules) although they are implemented differently across agencies. While it may be changing with blackberries, most government positions still abide by the 40-hour workweek.

Do layoffs exist in government?

8) Stability – While layoffs do exist in government, they are less prevalent than in the private sectors. While in times of economic boom, private sector may look enticing. However, in trying times like today, the stability and safety of government is comforting.

Is it a good time to be a Govie?

6) Talent Shortage – It’s a good time to be a govie. Whether the retirement tsunami happens or not, the baby boomers will eventually be retiring in the next 10-15 years and there will be lots of opportunities throughout the government. If you are energetic, smart, and hard-working, there will be a talent shortage in the government and they will need you. I want to be part of the solution.

What is the Louden County government agency?

Example: "Our government agency is devoted to serving the citizens of Louden County by planning and overseeing fun and educational events , such as the trail-walking club, Christmas festival and historic figure talks at the pavilion in Whitetail Park. Our agency is also responsible for making sure that our city's parks remain in pristine condition to be enjoyed by all."

What are some questions to ask yourself?

The following list includes generalized questions that could be asked of you in relation to your personal life: 1 How was the drive? 2 Tell me about yourself. 3 Where are you from? 4 What are your three greatest strengths? 5 What are your three greatest weaknesses? 6 Where do you see yourself in five years' time? 7 What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? 8 What are you passionate about? 9 What is your biggest regret? 10 Would you rather work alone or with others? 11 If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? 12 What is the last book you read?

Why do you ask an employer why you want to work for the government?

An employer wants to understand why you want to work for the government specifically, as opposed to other areas of society. You should avoid answers related to pay, benefits or time off, and instead center your answer around the foundational reason for government.

Why do you ask an interviewer to explain your job?

An interviewer asks this question not only to see how comfortable you are with the role but also to see how in-depth you have researched the position and its responsibilities . Your answer should demonstrate that you understand the specific title and its required job duties.

What is the purpose of preparing for an in person interview?

Preparing for an in-person interview can be a deciding factor in whether or not you receive a job offer. By reviewing the job requirements and possible interview questions, you can give yourself the best chance to present yourself as a qualified candidate to an employer. In this article, we review general, experience-related and in-depth interview questions that could be asked of you in a government job interview. There will also be eight interview questions with tips and sample answers to help you formulate your own responses.

Educational Requirements

Job Description & Skills

• The job of any government lawyer will vary depending on what is taking place on any particular day. For instance, a city attorney may find it necessary to attend a city-planning meeting in order to oversee compliance with city laws. A state attorney might need to draft a new policy or create a compliance handbook for state employees after a new law...

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Government Lawyer Salary & Job Outlook