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Associate Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR ยท Hybrid

$130K - $150K/yr

Litigation Attorney Location: Portland, Oregon Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days on-site/2 remote after probationary period Salary: $130,000-$150,000 annually (DOE) + performance bonus Billable Requirement ...

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR ยท Hybrid

$130K - $150K/yr

Litigation Attorney Location: Portland, Oregon Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days on-site/2 remote after probationary period Salary: $130,000-$150,000 annually (DOE) + performance bonus Billable Requirement ...

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$250K - $340K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm. Location: Portland, Oregon Practice Area: Real Estate Experience: 3-6 years Compensation: $250,000 ...

Associate Litigation Attorney

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

SEEKING A TWO TO FIVE YEAR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Location: Portland or Vancouver We are seeking a skilled and motivated Plaintiff's Associate Litigation Attorney to join our dynamic legal team. This ...

Associate Litigation Attorney

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

SEEKING A TWO TO FIVE YEAR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Location: Portland or Vancouver We are seeking a skilled and motivated Plaintiff's Associate Litigation Attorney to join our dynamic legal team. This ...

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Associate Attorney

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Represent clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses from arraignment through trial. Provide strategic legal counsel, conduct case investigations, negotiate favorable resolutions, litigate ...

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Associate Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$48.6K

$114.4K

$182.4K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Oregon is $114,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $137,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssociate AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice lawAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, client counseling, drafting legal documents, court appearancesLegal research, document preparation, case organization, client communication

Associate Attorneys are licensed legal professionals who handle complex legal tasks and represent clients in court, while Paralegals support attorneys with research and document preparation without practicing law. Both roles are essential in legal settings, but Associate Attorneys have more advanced responsibilities and licensing requirements.

What Does an Associate Attorney Do?

Associate attorneys are early career lawyers who work for law firms to gain experience and hone their skills after completing law school and passing the bar exam for their state. Under the guidance of an experienced attorney or a partner in the firm, associate attorneys assist with cases by conducting legal research and writing reports, legal briefs, and other documents. Associate attorneys also negotiate with colleagues from other law firms, participate in jury selection, and help argue cases in court.

What is an Associate Attorney?

An Associate Attorney is a licensed lawyer who works at a law firm and typically has less experience than partners or senior attorneys. Their responsibilities often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, meeting with clients, and assisting with case preparation. Associate Attorneys usually work under the supervision of more senior lawyers and are on a partnership track, meaning they may eventually be considered for partnership in the firm. Their role is crucial for supporting the firm's legal work and gaining experience in various areas of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective case preparation, compliance with legal standards, and successful collaboration with clients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by associate attorneys in their first few years, and how can they overcome them?

Associate attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm, and learning to balance billable hour requirements with professional development. Building strong organizational and time-management skills is crucial to handle multiple cases and deadlines effectively. Additionally, seeking mentorship, actively communicating with senior attorneys, and asking for feedback can help associates navigate complex matters and grow professionally within the firm.
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Oregon as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Full Time, 90% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,356 per year, or $55 per hour.
Litigation Associate Attorney

Litigation Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP

Portland, OR โ€ข Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #36 in the National Law Journal's survey of the nation's largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Associate Attorney position in our PortlandOffice. The job would involve civil litigation, mostly in the areas of professional liability defense, product liability defense, and defense of transportation cases.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with discovery requests and responses
  • Draft pretrial motions
  • Defend and take depositions
  • Argue motions
  • Interview clients and witnesses
  • Efficiently conduct legal research
  • Assist in preparation of cases for trial

Qualifications

  • JD from an accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in the State of Oregon
  • 3+ years of litigation defense experience required
  • Commercial litigation experience is preferred
  • Experience with professional liability, general liability and/or products liability defense is preferred
  • Federal court practice is a plus
  • Strong knowledge of rules of evidence and procedure required
  • Excellent written and analytical skills and a strong attention to detail are required

Why Join Wilson Elser?

  • Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
  • Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
  • Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
  • Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
  • Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits
Wilson Elser welcomes submissions of candidates for our open positions exclusively from recruitment agencies with an active, signed fee agreement who have been granted access to a position through our dedicated Recruitment Agency Portal. We are unable to consider submissions from recruitment agencies without a current (dated as of 7/1/2024) agreement in place. We appreciate your understanding. For collaboration inquiries or to establish an agreement, please contact us at talentacquisition@wilsonelser.com. Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law. Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users. You may review our Accessibility Policy here. California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.