Justice Department Lowers Hiring Standards for Attorneys
Other | March 17, 2026
In March 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) lowered its hiring standards for attorneys by authorizing the hiring of recent law school graduates. In the past, the minimum qualification for positions had been at least one year of experience as a licensed attorney. An April 2026 vacancy announcement for the U.S. Attorney Office in Minnesota illustrated the new standard by requiring only that "Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction)."
