Government attorneys gain valuable experience because they are required to have immediate and independent responsibility from the first day on the job, often dealing with cutting-edge legal issues. They find their work meaningful, with robust opportunities to mentor and be mentored. Government attorneys practice in nearly every substantive area of law and perform every type of legal work, including litigation, advisory, and regulatory or compliance functions.

There is no one path to work in government, just as working for a government entity can be a first step in many careers. Some government attorneys are very content with the type and quality of the work they do and remain in a government position for their entire careers. Other transition from private law firms to government or from government to private law firms or in-house positions. Some begin with a state government position and then transition to a federal government position or vice versa.