Mass Exodus of Federal Lawyers Transforms US Legal Workforce

A significant wave of attorney departures from the US federal government is rapidly reshaping the legal job market, driving recruitment at major law firms and prompting operational adjustments across key federal agencies. New federal data and private sector analyses reveal that thousands of government lawyers left public service in 2025, marking one of the most substantial workforce shifts in decades.

According to the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 8,599 licensed attorneys exited the federal government between President Donald Trump’s return to office and November 2025. After accounting for new hires, this resulted in a net decline of 6,524 federal lawyers —representing the second-largest annual reduction in federal attorney staffing since 2005 and reversing a long-term trend of steady growth.

Department of Justice Faces Heaviest Losses


The US Department of Justice (DOJ), the largest federal employer of attorneys, has borne the brunt of the departures. Approximately one-third of leaving lawyers were from the DOJ, with attrition spanning multiple divisions.

Particularly affected were the Civil Rights Division and the Federal Programs Branch, while the Tax Division has reportedly ceased operations entirely. White-collar crime enforcement and other complex litigation initiatives have been scaled back, reducing the department’s overall legal footprint.

 

Beyond attorney departures, the DOJ has undergone a broader contraction, losing around 8,900 employees since Trump’s return. The combined effect of resignations, retirements, and workforce reductions has strained the department’s capacity to handle civil litigation, regulatory enforcement, and major investigations.

 

Observers cite political tensions, shifting enforcement priorities, and concerns over job stability as key drivers of the exodus. In some instances, lawyers resigned in protest against administration actions or perceived politicisation within certain divisions.

Private Sector Seizes Government Talent


The departure of thousands of experienced federal attorneys has created a significant talent pool for private law firms. Firm Prospects reports that the 200 highest-grossing US law firms recruited 1,129 former federal lawyers in 2025, representing 8.54% of total attorney hiring —roughly double previous years and far above levels during Trump’s first term.

SurePoint Legal Insights found that government lawyers made up around 7% of lateral hires in 2025, compared with a historical average of 4–5%. Industry leaders describe the surge as unprecedented.

“Nothing like this has ever been seen before,” said Adam Oliver, President of Firm Prospects, highlighting the scale and speed of the government-to-private-practice migration.

Former federal attorneys are highly sought after for their expertise in regulatory enforcement, litigation strategy, compliance, and administrative law. Their experience is particularly valued in areas such as government investigations, national security, healthcare regulation, financial services enforcement, and complex civil litigation.

Transition Challenges Remain


Not all departing government lawyers have smoothly transitioned to private practice. Attorneys without specialised skills or high-demand expertise face a competitive market. Senior prosecutors and high-ranking officials often secure top positions quickly, while junior lawyers or those in narrower practice areas may move to smaller firms, in-house roles, or consulting positions—or remain in active job searches.

Recruiters in Washington, D.C., reported a noticeable increase in inquiries even before Trump’s inauguration, with demand intensifying after the administration assumed office. “The D.C. market absorbed many, but not all,” said one recruiter. “Supply exceeded demand in some areas.”

Implications for Federal Legal Capacity


Although the total number of federal lawyers remains roughly at 2017 levels, with more than 38,000 attorneys still employed across government, analysts warn that concentrated losses in key divisions could have long-term consequences.

Reductions in civil rights enforcement, tax litigation, and white-collar crime prosecution may hinder the government’s ability to pursue complex cases and maintain regulatory standards. Staffing shortages could increase workloads for remaining lawyers, raising risks of burnout and further attrition.

Sustained workforce instability may also make it harder for agencies to attract top legal talent in the future, especially if perceptions of politicisation or job insecurity persist.

A Lasting Market Shift


The federal attorney exodus is likely to remain a defining feature of the US legal labour market in 2026 and beyond. As law firms continue to absorb former government lawyers, Big Law is gaining unprecedented access to experienced federal talent.

For federal agencies, stabilising staffing levels, preserving institutional knowledge, and maintaining enforcement capacity will be key challenges. Meanwhile, the movement of lawyers from public service to private practice is reshaping hiring trends and the long-term structure of the US legal workforce.

 

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