As a rule of thumb, you can expect compensation packages at federal agencies during the first few years to be enticing, if not exactly competitive, when compared with similar opportunities offered at private law firms and corporate law departments. The difference in compensation generally comes in later years. There are points in some attorneys' careers when it becomes obvious, at least in terms of compensation, that they should consider the private sector. Planning for the future is important to everyone, lawyers included. Consequently, it is important to know that, for example, in the fourth year or fifth year your salary will begin to level off and may never increase materially when compared with salaries offered in the private sector. Having that time frame in mind at the outset will allow you an opportunity to plan for your future.