How Can Lawyers Help with Government Agencies and Programs?

Most of us will need to interact with government services at some point in our lives. Most often, you can manage these programs independently. But there are situations that call for an attorney who understands government procedures and administrative law.

Government agencies provide essential services and regulatory oversight in a range of areas. Several government programs that protect our jobs, health, and safety, including:

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) 
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 

Public services involve legal advice from both sides. For example, the public seeking these services may need legal assistance when applying. On the other side, state and federal government officials operating these agencies may get legal help to ensure the benefits reach the people who need them. These legal professionals in these situations are government attorneys.

If you need support accessing government services or resolving disputes, legal help is available. A government programs attorney near you can provide the representation and advice you need.

Government Law Practice Areas

Government law, also known as administrative law, covers almost every other area of the law. Some areas are obvious. The U.S. Department of Justice handles federal criminal cases and oversees legal services for the federal government. Some are less obvious, like guardians ad litem assigned to children in dependency court.

Some types of cases where you may want legal representation or help in accessing government services include:

• Social Security disability benefits: Applying for Social Security benefits (SSI/SSDI) can be a nightmare for those with mental or physical disabilities. Federal agencies have complicated paperwork. SSI attorneys can help you navigate the labyrinth of documentation and doctor’s visits in getting your benefits.
• Sexual harassment or discrimination claims: The EEOC has a lengthy process for handling workplace discrimination and harassment. Employment attorneys or civil rights lawyers can help you with these claims.
• Housing rights: State housing agencies regulate landlord-tenant laws. The parties can resolve most disputes themselves. If discrimination or unfair rental practices are part of the problem, you need an attorney.
• Criminal law: Prosecutors are one type of government attorney. Public defenders are another. The public defender’s office provides your defense if you need an attorney for a criminal case and can’t afford to hire one.

Suppose you need an attorney in any of these areas with government or state law expertise. In that case, your local bar association, state bar association, or the American Bar Association (ABA) can help you with your search.

Public Interest Law

Many public service agencies provide low-cost/no-cost legal aid through federal or state funding. Public interest law can help low-income families and people facing legal issues at no cost or nominal legal fees. Public interest legal clinics are typically staffed by:

• Law clerks
• Paralegals
• Law students in internships
• Attorneys doing pro bono hours 

Government Agency Lawyers

Attorneys who work in the government administer regulations and agencies. Government lawyers are government employees and work as attorneys for their agencies. Attorneys in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may investigate crimes committed against the United States. Or they may prosecute those crimes in federal court.

Attorneys in local government may work on zoning boards or city councils. They give legal advice on new regulations and related topics. These may not be government jobs, but they help government operations.

These attorney positions are “in-house” jobs. If you need to hire a lawyer for a federal legal matter, such as bankruptcy, you can’t hire a federal attorney who works for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How To Hire a Government Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer for your legal matter requires a good referral service. FindLaw is a trustworthy place to start to find an attorney near you who specializes in government programs. Start your search with FindLaw’s directory of government agencies and programs lawyers. Enter your city or zipcode for a list of qualified legal advisors in your area. Your search results will also show ratings and contact information.