Federal Lawyer Exodus Boosts State Attorneys General Offices

Recent upheavals within the federal government, especially during President Trump’s administration, have resulted in the exit of over 10,000 lawyers since early 2025. This mass departure of legal professionals has left federal agencies scrambling to find replacements, significantly affecting their capacity to fulfill the president’s agenda.

According to analysis by The New York Times, one out of every five lawyers who served the federal government at the close of 2024 had resigned by March 2026. Reasons for departure include routine retirements, workforce reduction, and objections to President Trump’s policies. Such a swift loss has tarnished the reputation of the federal government as the prime destination for lawyers interested in public service.

With this shift, many lawyers are opting to join Democratic state attorneys general offices and advocacy groups challenging Trump’s administration in legal matters. For instance, Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general, has recruited 22 lawyers from the federal government since May of the previous year. Weiser notes, “People in the federal government are dissatisfied and frustrated. They’re looking for roles within organizations that operate with integrity and foster good work.”

This sentiment of discontent is also evident in law schools. Many aspiring lawyers, who once aimed for federal roles, are now seeking positions in alternative areas, as noted by faculty members and students.

The reduction of legal staff across various federal agencies is notable:

• Education: From 645 to 303 lawyers, a 53% decline.
• Housing: From 448 to 271 lawyers, a 40% decline.
• Interior: From 542 to 394 lawyers, a 27% decline.
• Labor: From 609 to 446 lawyers, a 27% decline.
• Energy: From 721 to 530 lawyers, a 26% decline.
• Agriculture: From 231 to 170 lawyers, a 26% decline.
• Health: From 1,147 to 866 lawyers, a 24% decline.
• Transportation: From 622 to 477 lawyers, a 23% decline.
• Justice: From 12,975 to 10,310 lawyers, a 21% decline.
• Veterans Affairs: From 1,935 to 1,640 lawyers, a 15% decline.
• Defense: From 4,576 to 3,880 lawyers, a 15% decline.

Despite these challenges, organizations opposing Trump’s agenda are gaining strength with experienced lawyers, seemingly benefiting from dissatisfaction within federal ranks.