What does a Government Lawyer do?

A government lawyer is, at its most basic level, any lawyer who works for the government. Government lawyer positions can be found at almost all levels of government. They serve as defenders and prosecutors in court proceedings and draft legislation to shape laws for states, cities, and national agencies. Being a government lawyer can mean different things in different situations, but there is one thing that all government lawyers share. Their primary goal is to defend, enforce, and carry out the laws and regulations of the government.

The legal systems of all countries are complex systems with many moving parts that rely on the participation of a diverse cast of characters. Governments make the laws that govern their citizens and residents, and they hire lawyers to defend and interpret those laws. These lawyers are referred to as “government lawyers” in general.

Private lawyers, or those who work in law firms or corporations, are primarily concerned with what the law says and how to apply it in real-world situations. In disputes between private citizens or entities, they spend the majority of their time following and interpreting the law. A government lawyer, on the other hand, acts as a government agent, ensuring that government rules and regulations are properly implemented and enforced.

Because of the diversity of work done government agencies, there is no set job description for a government attorney. A government attorney always represents the government’s interests, but this can take different forms depending on the situation. Lawyers are usually tasked with interpreting local codes and ordinances and investigating potential violations in local government. They research legislation that affects their communities and frequently try to craft laws that favor local businesses. Attorneys for elected officials such as attorneys general, state and local legislatures, and local agencies such as state and local taxation offices, local land management bureaus, and wildlife protection agencies, among others, are common clients of local government lawyers.

Attorneys are employed most national governments at various levels. A federal or national government lawyer is responsible for enforcing and defending national laws and frameworks. When an entity sues the federal government, which happens quite frequently, the defense is handled a government lawyer. Similarly, when the federal government charges a person or business with a crime, such as when a federal law is suspected of being broken, the prosecution is handled a government lawyer. In some cases, a government lawyer is assigned to represent the accused as a defense lawyer, usually when the accused cannot afford his own representation.

The work of a government lawyer is not limited to the courtroom. Many government lawyers work as research attorneys, advising legislators and government agency heads on a wide range of issues. Analysts, advisers, and legal interpreters are among the others.

Any government lawyer’s primary responsibility is to defend and uphold national law. Taxation, criminal justice, consumer protection, international commerce, and education policy are just some of the areas where government attorneys work. Regardless of their different areas of expertise, they are all working for the same goal and for the same master. Working for the government is seen many lawyers as a way to hone their skills and become experts in a specific legal field quickly. Government lawyers make less money than private practice lawyers most of the time, but many people believe that the experience and opportunities gained through government work are well worth it.