Special Agent: Law/Legal Background

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 103,236 - 133,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Competitive compensation

Supportive work environment

Job summary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking special agents to investigate national security threats, requiring strong analytical skills and a legal background. This role involves planning investigations, liaising with law enforcement, and maintaining readiness for duty.

A Bachelor's degree or J.D. in law or a related field is required. Competitive salary ranging from $103,236.00 to $133,200.00 is offered, with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to analyze data and identify patterns.
• Experience in litigation and financial analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations of federal law violations.
• Create effective relationships with law enforcement agencies.
• Maintain physical fitness for law enforcement duties.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Investigative judgment

Legal writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree or J.D. degree in law or related field

Job description

Overview

As an FBI special agent, your career is defined by how you think, analyze, and act in moments that directly impact national security. By harnessing your background to transition into federal law enforcement, you can help shape the Bureau’s approach to investigate violent crimes. You will have the opportunity to leverage your skills to protect against cyberattacks, terrorism, fraud, and evolving threats. Using your analytical skills and data analysis capabilities, you will identify patterns, uncover critical information, and support investigations that address threats to public safety.

Transitioning from a specialized career into the special agent role expands how your expertise is applied. You will be expected to think critically, operate across complex scenarios, and adapt to new challenges. The FBI provides professional growth, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment with flexibility and resources to maintain work–life balance.

Special Agent Career Path

Your background in law and legal has already shaped how you think, process information, and approach problems. Experience in litigation, financial analysis, and legal writing develops skills in interpreting data, connecting details, and resolving conflicts. At the FBI, these foundations become evidence and insight, allowing you to own investigative outcomes and contribute to national security.

Major Duties

• Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws, cybersecurity, and public safety.
• Exercise judgment, resourcefulness, and versatility in meeting investigative demands.
• Create and maintain effective liaison relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law‑enforcement agencies.
• Maintain a level of physical fitness to ensure readiness required to perform law‑enforcement duties.

Key Requirements

• U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Meet the FBI’s Employment Eligibility requirements.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or J.D. degree (preferably in law, legal, or a related field) from a U.S. accredited college or university. All degrees must be verified by submitting college transcripts.

Salary Level

Pay range: $103,236.00 - $133,200.00 (commensurate with base, locality, and availability pay).

EEO Statement

The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex, pregnancy and related conditions, or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other nonmerit factors.