How many lawyers work at the CIA?

Asked by: Bonnie Tromp V  |  Last update: November 11, 2025
Score: 5/5 (36 votes)

I am most proud of the fact that I hired dozens of skilled and dedicated young lawyers to join the CIA over the years. Most of them are still there (the CIA legal staff now numbers around 150), and I consider that my true, enduring legacy.

Can a lawyer work for the CIA?

As an attorney, you will be responsible for: Providing legal advice and policy counsel to CIA leadership on complex areas of law affecting the CIA's duties and responsibilities under authorities including the National Security Act, the CIA Act, and Executive Orders.

Does the CIA do law enforcement?

The CIA, however, has no law enforcement function.

What federal agency has the most attorneys on staff?

The Department of Justice – or “DOJ” – is the agency responsible for enforcing the federal law of the United States. The Attorney General of the United States – appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate – heads the DOJ with its more than 100,000 attorneys, special agents, and other staff.

What is the highest paid Lawyer?

Highest-Paid Types of Lawyers
  • Patent attorney: $180,000.
  • Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.
  • Trial lawyer: $134,000.
  • Tax attorney: $122,000.
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000.
  • Medical lawyer: $113,000.
  • Real estate lawyer: $98,000.
  • Family lawyer: $93,000.

What credentials are needed to work for the CIA?

18 related questions found

Who makes more, CIA or FBI?

“ According to Glassdoor.com, a CIA operations officer (case officer) starts at about $84,000 per year. Base salary for a newly hired FBI special agent is about $38,000 per year, although there are various add-ins that raise that by about $20,000 per year. So, a new case officer at the CIA would make more money.

Who protects CIA agents?

CIA Police Officers protect Agency personnel, facilities, and information through the enforcement of Federal laws and Agency Regulations, including making arrests and enforcing traffic laws.

How hard is it to get into CIA?

One variable is education. All CIA positions require a bachelor's degree, but some may prefer or require a master's or doctorate degree. Another variable is experience: Most CIA jobs want at least at least one year of prior experience, but some require three to five years.

What is higher than a CIA agent?

The DCI's title now is "Director of the Central Intelligence Agency" (DCIA), serving as head of the CIA. Currently, the Central Intelligence Agency answers directly to the Director of National Intelligence, although the CIA Director may brief the President directly.

What is the highest paying job in CIA?

CIA pay FAQs

The highest-paying job at CIA is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a salary of $241,807 per year (estimate). The lowest-paying job at CIA is a Security Officer with a salary of $45,245 per year (estimate). CIA employees attributed a compensation and benefits rating of 3.9/5 stars to their company.

Do CIA lawyers travel?

‍ “CIA lawyers do, in fact, travel overseas for a variety of different reasons,” Ciralsky told Netflix.

What disqualifies you from being a CIA agent?

CIA is a drug-free workplace and carefully evaluates drug use during the hiring process. CIA is bound by federal law, which prohibits CIA from granting security clearances to unlawful users of controlled substances, including marijuana.

Does the FBI hire lawyers?

Attorneys working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may serve one of several different functions, including working as a general attorney, a legal administrative specialist, or as a legal instruments examiner.

Can CIA agents get married?

Spouses of CIA personnel may face unique risks of divorce and resulting financial insecurity. An argument can be made that marriages to CIA staff members founder because job-related secrecy leads to breakdowns in communication between husband and wife, and subsequent estrangement.

What GPA do you need for the CIA?

The CIA requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field serves as good preparation for a career as a CIA agent.

Can CIA agents carry guns?

In special instances the Director of Security may authorize the issuance of firearms permits to employees who have been qualified to carry firearms by a recognized authority such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Military services, various police departments, and the like.

What perks do CIA agents get?

We offer paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave:
  • Holidays.
  • Annual leave.
  • Sick leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Family and medical leave.
  • Family-friendly federal leave policies.
  • Voluntary leave programs.

What branch is above the CIA?

The CIA is not within a cabinet level department so it stands alone except for some budgetary control and priorities by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Why can't CIA operate on U.S. soil?

By law, CIA is specifically prohibited from collecting foreign intelligence concerning the domestic activities of US citizens. Its mission is to collect information related to foreign intelligence and foreign counterintelligence.

Who is the most powerful agency in the world?

Here's a look at the top five intelligence agencies in the world.
  • CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) – United States. ...
  • Mossad – Israel. ...
  • MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service) – United Kingdom. ...
  • DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure) – France. ...
  • MSS (Ministry of State Security) – China.

Can a lawyer make 500k a year?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for lawyers in 2022 was $135,740, with only the top 1% surpassing the $500,000 mark. So, what sets apart that elite 1%? The secret lies in their mastery of marketing!

Which type of lawyer is the richest?

As of 2024, the top five highest paid types of lawyers are:
  • Patent Attorneys.
  • Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys.
  • Trial Lawyers.
  • Tax Attorneys.
  • Corporate Lawyers.

Can lawyers make 300k a year?

Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for attorneys in the US is just over $125,000. The highest-paid lawyers (10% of the legal workforce) make over $208,000 However, the top 1% of attorneys make $500,000 or more per year.