Explore how your federal experience as a Attorney (GS-0905) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Associate Attorney, Legal Assistant, Paralegal, Compliance Analyst | Supports senior attorneys in drafting documents, research, and legal counsel. Assists in case preparation, reviews legal documents, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations. | $40,000 - $60,000 |
| 5-7 | Associate Attorney, Corporate Counsel, Legal Advisor | Handles a variety of legal issues, provides legal advice to business units, drafts contracts and agreements, and conducts legal research. Represents clients in administrative hearings and prepares legal briefs. | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Associate Attorney, Litigation Manager, Compliance Director, Corporate Governance Officer | Manages a team of junior attorneys, leads complex litigation cases, and provides strategic legal guidance at the corporate level. Advises on compliance and regulatory issues, and develops internal policies. | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| 10-11 | Lead Counsel, Vice President of Legal Affairs, Legal Operations Manager | Oversees the legal department, establishes legal strategies, and ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks. Advises the executive team on legal risks and corporate governance matters. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| 12-13 | Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, Head of Legal Compliance | Provides overarching legal guidance and strategy for the organization, manages all legal risks, and shapes company policy on legal matters. Liaises with executive leadership and the board of directors. | $160,000 - $220,000 |
| 14-15 | Senior Vice President of Legal, Chief Compliance Officer, Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs | Directs comprehensive legal strategies for the entire organization, manages large-scale litigation, and oversees risk management practices. Coordinates with other C-suite executives to align legal approaches with business goals. | $220,000 - $300,000 |
| SES | Deputy General Counsel, Public Sector Legal Director, Chief Regulatory Officer | Oversees all legal functions within a federal agency or large corporation, providing leadership on major legal frameworks, policy implementation, and risk assessment. Represents the organization in high-level negotiations and public forums. | $300,000 - $400,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
This certification demonstrates expertise in federal contract management, which is highly relevant for attorneys transitioning from a GS-0905 role who may have dealt with government contracts. Obtaining the CFCM can provide a competitive edge in the civilian sector by showcasing a specialized understanding of federal procurement processes that many private companies engage with.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Attorneys often find themselves managing complex legal projects and coordinating with various stakeholders; the PMP certification underscores this capability. Having a PMP credential can enhance an attorney's resume by showing potential employers that they possess strong project management skills, which are essential in both legal practices and corporate environments.
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
In the legal sphere, especially for attorneys in compliance or data protection roles, understanding privacy regulations is crucial. The CIPP certification signals to employers that an attorney is well-versed in current privacy laws and regulations, making them an asset in sectors increasingly focused on data privacy compliance.
Legal Project Management Certificate
This credential shows that an attorney is equipped to apply project management techniques specifically to the legal field, optimizing efficiencies and improving client communication. It provides an advantage in the civilian sector by demonstrating a commitment to innovative legal service delivery models, which many corporations are now seeking.
Mediation Certification
With mediation becoming a preferred method of dispute resolution, this certification boosts an attorney's credentials in negotiation and conflict resolution skills. As businesses often require alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, possessing a mediation certification makes an attorney a desirable candidate in both legal and corporate settings.
Compliance Certification Board (CCB) Certification (for Compliance Professionals)
This credential equips attorneys with essential knowledge in compliance and regulatory issues, making it particularly useful for those entering corporate legal departments. The CCB certification showcases a commitment to ensuring that organizations adhere to laws and regulations, giving transitioning attorneys a competitive edge in compliance-focused roles.
Advanced Legal Research Certification
This certification enhances research skills vital for any attorney, highlighting the importance of thorough legal analysis and due diligence. It reinforces an attorney's ability to deliver accurate legal advice based on comprehensive research, which is crucial for roles in private law firms and corporate legal departments.
LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Corporate Law
Earning an LL.M. in Corporate Law deepens an attorney's understanding of business entities, transactions, and compliance issues, all of which are integral to corporate legal practice. This advanced degree makes a candidate more attractive to employers looking for legal professionals who can navigate complex corporate structures and regulations.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0905 Attorney role to a private sector job can be a significant step, filled with both opportunities and challenges. However, with the right mindset, strategies, and preparation, you can make a successful shift into the private sector. Here’s a comprehensive guide on mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and translating your federal experience into private sector language.
Embrace the Change: Moving from the federal government to the private sector means a shift in environment, culture, and expectations. Be open to this change and view it as an opportunity for growth.
Change Your Perspective on Employment: In the federal environment, stability and tenure are often prioritized. In contrast, the private sector may value innovation, adaptability, and results. Adopt a mindset that appreciates flexibility and outcomes-driven work.
Focus on Value Creation: Private sector roles often emphasize how your skills can contribute to the bottom line. Start thinking about how your experience can translate into value creation for a business.
Be Prepared for a Competitive Job Market: Unlike the federal job environment, the private sector can be more competitive. Cultivate resilience and understand that rejection is part of the job search process. Stay positive and persistent.
Tailor Your Resume for the Private Sector: Your federal resume may contain sections that are less relevant in the private sector. Optimize your resume by:
Prepare for Behavioral Interviews: Private sector interviews often focus on behavioral questions that assess how you handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly. Prepare scenarios that highlight your skills and achievements, relevant to the job description.
Research the Company and Industry: Before interviews, familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, recent news, and industry trends. This shows genuine interest and allows you to tailor your answers more effectively.
Practice Active Listening and Soft Skills: Be ready to discuss not just your technical skills but also your soft skills—listening, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial in the private sector. During interviews, demonstrate these skills by actively engaging and responding thoughtfully to your interviewers.
Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your transition focus. Use a professional photo, craft a compelling summary, and list your skills prominently. Use LinkedIn not just to apply for jobs, but also to network with industry professionals.
Attend Networking Events: Look for legal networking events, workshops, or conferences in your target industry. Engaging in face-to-face interactions can establish connections and provide insights into the private sector culture.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field and request informational interviews. This can help you gain insights into their career path, the skills needed, and advice for your transition. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experiences transitioning.
Build a Supportive Network: Consider joining associations or groups relevant to your target career (e.g., bar associations, legal practice groups) where you can connect with peers and learn from their experiences.
Identify Transferable Skills: Consider the skills you've developed in your GS-0905 role that are relevant to private sector positions—critical thinking, advocacy, research, and client interaction. Break these down into skill sets that align with the private sector job descriptions you are interested in.
Rephrase Your Experience: Convert your accomplishments into language that resonates in the private sector. For example, instead of saying, "Managed a legal team to handle case law interpretation for regulatory compliance," you might say, "Led a cross-functional team to evaluate and implement regulatory frameworks, enhancing compliance and reducing legal risks."
Showcase Results and Impact: When discussing previous positions or responsibilities, emphasize outcomes such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, or successful case results. This aligns well with how businesses measure success.
Focus on Client-Centric Language: In the private sector, the client or customer-centric approach is vital. Frame your experiences around how you served clients, resolved their issues, or contributed to their success.
Transitioning from a federal attorney role to the private sector may seem daunting, but by adopting a proactive mindset, refining your resume, enhancing your interviewing skills, networking effectively, and translating your experience, you can navigate this change successfully. Remember, every step you take in this process is a step toward new opportunities and challenges that will further your career. Stay positive, keep learning, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You have the skills and experience; now it’s time to market them effectively.