Based on the methodology of chrono-discrete monogeographic comparative law, we identify the comparative potential of bailiffs’ legal status in the Russian Empire and the Russian Federation. Until recently, the legislation of the Russian Federation did not give a clear idea of bailiffs’ legal position in the civil service. We believe that, speaking about a bailiff’s legal status and comparing the regulatory framework that regulates it, it is necessary to determine what elements constitute a bailiff’s legal status; to compare comparable, conditionally comparable and incomparable elements of this status. At present, this issue is more definite and developed in comparison with the pre-revolutionary period. Comparison of specific elements of legal status in different historical periods may lead to the development of prac-tical recommendations for improving the current legislation governing the structure and activities of the institution of bailiffs. We designate six ele-ments of bailiffs’ legal status, which are fundamentally comparable in rela-tion to the Russian Empire and the Russian Federation. We also note the need to take into account the specific historical situation in the studied periods, the specifics of the political, economic, and social structure, and the peculiarities of legal awareness and mentality.