How do you become a staff attorney?

2 Skills and competencies

As a staff attorney, you need to have strong legal research, writing, and analysis skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and supervisors. You also need to be adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn new areas of law and handle diverse assignments. Depending on the nature and scope of your work, you may also need to have expertise in a particular subject matter, such as employment law, environmental law, or intellectual property law. Additionally, you may need to have some technical skills, such as using legal databases, software, or tools.

3 Job search and application

To find staff attorney positions, you can use various sources, such as online job boards, networking events, referrals, or career fairs. You can also contact organizations directly and inquire about their hiring needs and processes. When applying for a staff attorney position, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific organization and role, highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. You should also prepare for the interview by researching the organization, its mission, vision, and goals, and the type of work you will be doing. You should also anticipate common questions, such as why you want to work as a staff attorney, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how you handle stress, deadlines, and feedback.

4 Benefits and challenges

Working as a staff attorney can have many benefits, such as having a stable income, a predictable schedule, a diverse workload, and a supportive work environment. You can also enjoy the satisfaction of providing legal services to clients who need them, such as low-income individuals, marginalized groups, or public interest organizations. However, working as a staff attorney can also have some challenges, such as having less autonomy, creativity, and recognition, lower pay and prestige, and fewer opportunities for advancement. You may also face some ethical dilemmas, conflicts of interest, or pressure from your organization or clients.