Federal Lawyers Face Hiring Crunch Amid Trump Policy Shifts

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), responsible for hearing federal employee appeals, faces a critical shortage of board members, currently operating with only one after recent dismissals and retirements under President Donald Trump's administration, risking a backlog similar to the 3,800-case delay seen from 2017 to 2022. The board’s heavy caseload is exacerbated by the administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce, with appeals doubling typical annual numbers and the possibility of a surge if agency layoffs proceed. Meanwhile, federal lawyers and other government attorneys are encountering a bottleneck in transitioning to private sector jobs, as Trump's policies have de-emphasized financial regulation and corporate crime enforcement, shrinking the usual demand for their expertise in law firms and corporate roles. This has led to a large supply of job seekers but limited opportunities, causing many to struggle with prolonged job searches despite prestigious backgrounds. The usual 'revolving door' between government service and private sector employment has effectively jammed, with recruiters noting a decline in hiring of former federal attorneys, especially those from regulatory and civil rights backgrounds. Efforts to fill MSPB vacancies continue with the Senate advancing a Trump nominee, but the agency’s ability to manage its caseload remains under pressure amid broader workforce and legal market disruptions.