The US Department of Justice has lost more than a quarter of its lawyers between early 2025 and January 2026, as thousands have quit or been dismissed, according to the Financial Times.
A total of 3,402 lawyers left the department during that period, while 771 joined, resulting in overall legal staffing being significantly reduced compared with the end of 2024.
The departures come amid reported layoffs linked to government restructuring efforts and the removal of officials tied to previously pursued cases, as the administration shifts its priorities.
Officials say the losses have strained the department’s capacity at a time when it is handling a large number of legal challenges and continuing law enforcement operations