What public positions allow one to practice law?

What public positions allow one to practice law?

put ESEG Team

12/09/2025

7 min read
Public positions that allow you to practice law: what are they, how to get in, and what are the opportunities?

Browse by topic

What public positions allow one to practice law?

Choosing to pursue a career in the public sector is an attractive option for many legal professionals.

In addition to stability and good pay, There are public positions that allow one to practice law, that is, roles that can be combined with private legal practice, provided that legal restrictions are respected.

Understanding these possibilities is essential for anyone seeking financial security without giving up their practice as a lawyer.

There are competitions that require a law degree as a prerequisite, especially in so-called legal careers, and others that do not require it, but consider legal knowledge a competitive advantage.

In this article, we will explain what these positions are, how the accumulation of positions works, and present... the best contests and show how the law school This can open doors to these opportunities.

So, keep reading and stay informed about this topic!

How does law school work?

A law degree is a prerequisite for several legal and administrative careers.

A law degree typically lasts five years and can be found in both public and private institutions. private colleges in São Paulo.

During their undergraduate studies, students take courses such as Constitutional Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Administrative Law, and Labor Law, in addition to practical subjects like Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure.

The law curriculum also includes supplementary activities and supervised internships, which help prepare students for legal practice and even for public service exams.

Read also: Discover the 15 main areas of legal practice in Brazil.

What competitive exams can I enter with a law degree?

  • Judge (State and Federal) – responsible for analyzing cases, conducting hearings, and delivering judgments.
  • Public Prosecutor (State and Federal) – acts in defense of the legal order, representing the Public Prosecutor's Office.
  • Public Defender – offers free legal assistance to those who cannot afford a lawyer.
  • Attorney (Municipal, State and Federal) – Represents public bodies in legal proceedings and provides legal consulting services.
  • Police Delegate (Federal and Civil) – coordinates investigations and initiates inquiries.
  • Notary Public – responsible for authenticating documents and guaranteeing public faith.
  • Judicial Analyst and Technician – administrative and technical support functions in the Judiciary.
  • Diplomat – represents Brazil abroad, negotiating treaties and international relations.
  • Chancery Officer – provides administrative and technical support to diplomatic work.
  • Administrative positions – various roles in public bodies that require interpretation and application of the law.

Public positions that allow one to practice law.

Not all public positions allow the employee to practice private law.

However, there are roles that allow one to practice as a lawyer, provided there is no conflict of interest with the position held.

Among them are:

  • City Hall lawyer – acts in the defense of the municipality and may practice private law in cases that do not involve the public entity.
  • Municipal Attorney – Similar to a municipal attorney, but with a greater focus on legal advice and drafting legal opinions. Permission to practice law varies according to local regulations.
  • Administrative positions in public bodies – Some analyst or legal advisor positions allow for private legal practice, provided it is not directly related to cases of the institution where the employee works.
  • Law professor at public institutions – Tenured professors at public universities, who do not hold positions requiring exclusive dedication, may practice law without impediment.
  • Civil servants in autonomous agencies and public companies – In non-legal roles or legal roles without express restriction in the job posting, it is possible to combine the position with the practice of law.

Before taking on any public office and practicing law simultaneously, it is essential to check the specific rules for each career.

Read also: Public and private law: understand the differences and applications.

Law for public service exams: best areas to practice.

Law for public service exams: best areas to practice.

For those who wish to pursue a public career, it is important to know the best areas of law to work in.

Some of them are:

  • Judiciary – a career as a judge, with high pay and job security.
  • Public Prosecutor's Office – Prosecutor or attorney, acting in defense of society.
  • Public Defender's Office – guaranteeing access to justice for those who cannot afford it.
  • Prosecutor's Offices – Legal representation and consulting services for public bodies.
  • Police station – coordination of investigations.
  • Diplomatic careers – strong presence of legal knowledge.
  • Notary offices – highly profitable extrajudicial services.

Which law school exam pays the most?

In general, the highest-paying public service exams for law graduates are:

  • Federal Judiciary – salaries above R$ 30 thousand.
  • Public Prosecutor – salaries similar to those of judges.
  • Federal Public Defender – initial remuneration in the range of R$ 27 thousand.
  • State and Municipal Attorney's Offices – variation from R$ 20 thousand to R$ 30 thousand, depending on the state or municipality.
  • Notary offices Although it is not a public sector job with a fixed salary, the monthly income can exceed that of other careers.

What to do when you graduate from law school?

Upon graduation, a law graduate has several options:

  • Advocacy – After passing the OAB exam, it is possible to work as a self-employed lawyer or in law firms.
  • Public competitions – to join legal careers or administrative.
  • Academic career – to teach at colleges or preparatory courses.
  • Consulting and compliance – to work in companies providing guidance on legislation and compliance.
  • Private sector – working in the legal departments of companies.

What competitive exams can I enter with a law degree?

With a completed degree, it is possible to take competitive exams for positions that allow you to practice law, and others that do not, but are still highly valued.

We've selected a few examples for you, check them out:

Positions that allow one to practice law:

  • City hall lawyer.
  • Municipal prosecutor.
  • Law Professor.
  • Legal analyst in organizations without restrictions on practicing law.

Positions that do not allow the practice of law:

  • Judge.
  • Prosecutor.
  • Public Defender.
  • Police Delegate.

Analyzing the public notice is essential to confirm the rules regarding the accumulation of functions.

Best competitions for law graduates

Best competitions for law graduates

Among the best public service exams for law graduates, considering salary, job security, and prestige, the following stand out:

  1. Federal and State Judge.
  2. Public Prosecutor.
  3. Federal and State Public Defender.
  4. Municipal and State Attorney.
  5. Federal Police Delegate.
  6. Notary Public.
  7. Diplomat.

Furthermore, many police and administrative competitions offer good opportunities for those with legal training, even if they are not strictly legal careers.

Conclusion regarding public service exams for Law students.

Public sector positions that allow the practice of law represent an excellent option for legal professionals seeking stability without giving up their private practice.

However, it is essential to know the specific rules of each role and respect the ethical and legal boundaries of public service examinations for Law positions.

A A solid education at a good law school is the first step toward achieving these positions.

Furthermore, staying up-to-date and investing in specializations increases the chances of passing the most competitive exams.

Do you want to secure a public position that allows you to practice law and still excel in private practice?

In ESEG College, This program prepares you to work in various areas of law, both in the public and private sectors, building a complete and successful career.


Visit our website and learn more about it. Law course at ESEG.

ESEG Team

Browse by topic

Share this content

Share this content

Receive our content first-hand.

Stay informed about relevant topics and what's happening at ESEG College.

Your data is safe.

What type of course are you looking for?

Make a suggestion.

Your data is safe.

Monthly fee of What public positions allow one to practice law?

Unavailable

*Prices valid for enrollment in the second semester of 2026.

You can get a discount based on your performance in one of the ESEG College selection processes.

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience.