Exodus of Federal Lawyers Under Trump Administration

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Since the beginning of 2025, President Trump’s modifications to the federal government have resulted in the loss of over 10,000 federal lawyers. This significant reduction has left some government agencies struggling to find sufficient legal staff to implement his policies. According to an analysis by The New York Times of federal employment data, about one in every five government lawyers at the end of 2024 had departed by March 2026.

The usual retirements combined with significant staffing cuts and resignations by some who disagreed with Trump’s policies have contributed to this exodus. As a result, state attorneys general offices, especially those led by Democrats, and advocacy groups opposing Trump have gained experienced lawyers.

Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general, has hired 22 former federal lawyers within the last year. He notes the growing dissatisfaction among federal employees: “There’s all this awareness that people in the federal government are dissatisfied, are angry, are frustrated, and want no part of it,” Weiser said. Many are seeking roles in organizations perceived to function with integrity and uphold principles they value.

“That’s translating directly to people saying, ‘I want to be part of organizations that actually operate with integrity, that people want to be a part of, that people feel good about doing the right thing.’”

This trend is evident in law schools where many students, who might have once pursued federal government positions, are choosing different career paths. Faculty and students confirm a shift in interest.

A report from The New York Times provided a breakdown of the drastic reductions in lawyer numbers across various federal agencies between December 2024 and March 2026: