{"id":358089,"date":"2020-05-01T07:40:47","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T12:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-does-a-government-lawyer-really-do.html"},"modified":"2023-08-29T09:36:04","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T14:36:04","slug":"what-does-a-government-lawyer-really-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-does-a-government-lawyer-really-do.html","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Government Lawyer Really Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Does a Government Lawyer Really Do?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Government lawyers serve in many capacities at all levels and branches of government. Their responsibilities can include regulatory compliance, oversight, and general counsel. Lawyers also prosecute crimes and represent government entities in civil litigation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Unless there is a big state criminal trial or a political quarrel in Washington, D.C., most people don’t think much about the legal professionals who work in various government branches. For many people, government jobs are the dream. Federal agencies combine interesting work and long-term employment with great benefits. Local government lawyers are present at everything from criminal trials to city planning meetings.<\/p>\n

This article describes how one becomes a government lawyer and what they do. You can also browse FindLaw’s directory to find a government lawyer<\/a> or an attorney who can help you navigate legal matters involving a government agency.<\/p>\n

Who Are Government Lawyers?<\/h2>\n

Most people are familiar with the state and federal attorney general and perhaps the district attorney of their county. They have heard of the public defender’s office<\/a>, although they may not have realized it is also a government agency. The district attorney’s office and public defender work together on criminal cases<\/a>, but this is only one type of government law.<\/p>\n

Other government legal offices may include:<\/p>\n