More than 10,000 federal lawyers have left government service since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term in January 2025, according to a New York Times analysis of federal employment data.
The departures represent roughly one in five lawyers employed by the government at the end of 2024. The New York Times reported the figure on May 31, 2026, based on Office of Personnel Management records through March 2026.
Sharp Declines at Key Agencies
The Justice Department saw more than 2,600 attorneys depart. The department employed nearly 13,000 lawyers at the end of 2024, down to about 10,300 by early 2026.
The Department of Defense lost around 700 lawyers. The Department of Health and Human Services lost nearly 300. The Department of Education recorded the largest percentage drop, losing 53 percent of its 645 lawyers.
According to The New York Times report, some agencies now face difficulties filling positions to handle ongoing legal work.
Policy Shifts
The Trump administration has prioritized hiring lawyers who support its policy goals. In January 2026, Chad Mizelle, a former Justice Department chief of staff, posted on X seeking attorneys aligned with the administration’s anti-crime priorities for roles as assistant U.S. attorneys.
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Some lawyers left because they disagreed with changes in enforcement priorities on issues including immigration, regulations and civil rights cases.
Others cited routine factors such as retirement, higher private-sector salaries or standard career moves after a change in administration.
Federal data show elevated turnover compared with typical transition periods. Previous administrations also experienced staff changes when shifting policy directions.
Impact on Operations
Agencies with heavy legal workloads, including those defending executive actions in court, have reported staffing strains. Some offices have used military lawyers or temporary assignments to cover gaps.
Many departing lawyers have joined Democratic state attorneys general offices or advocacy groups that are litigating against Trump administration policies.
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The departures add to the pool of attorneys available for such challenges. The administration has pursued reforms to increase accountability in the civil service, including efforts to reclassify certain policy-related positions.
In response to the staffing shortages, the Justice Department temporarily waived its longstanding requirement that new prosecutors have at least one year of legal experience, a policy change set to remain in effect through February 2027 to address exigent hiring needs across U.S. attorney’s offices.
Many departing federal attorneys have been quickly hired by major private law firms, with the 200 highest-grossing U.S. firms alone bringing in over 1,100 former government lawyers in 2025.
Some offices have introduced signing bonuses and retention incentives to attract and keep new staff.
Broader federal workforce data from the Office of Personnel Management shows a net reduction of more than 280,000 civilian employees government-wide since January 2025, as part of wider efficiency and restructuring initiatives.
