1

Associate Attorney Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

At Brighter Day Law, we believe great attorneys should not have to choose between meaningful work, fair compensation, and a sustainable life outside the office. We have built a firm where preparation ...

About the job LITIGATION ATTORNEY The Firm is an international firm with eleven offices, has an immediate opening for an attorney with 2 to 4 years of property coverage or insurance coverage ...

Description We are a regional, multi-state law firm seeking a full-time attorney with a license in Tennessee to join our Firm. Our primary practice focuses upon retail and commercial collections, as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Attorney information

See Tennessee salary details

$41.8K

$98.2K

$156.6K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Tennessee is $98,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $118,000.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Attorney jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Attorney jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,168 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Brighter Day Law

Nashville, TN

$105K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

At Brighter Day Law, we believe great attorneys should not have to choose between meaningful work, fair compensation, and a sustainable life outside the office.


We have built a firm where preparation replacesexpectations are clear, and professionalism is steady, not performative.


We offer:

  • One of the lowest minimum billing expectations in the market: approximately 1,000 average billable hours per year
  • Competitive base compensation with a transparent, performance-based bonus structure
  • Clear standards supported by systems and coaching
  • A mission-driven culture focused on long-term outcomes for families


We are open to salaried arrangements, part-time or full-time schedules, and hybrid or remote work after onboarding for attorneys who can reliably attend in-person hearings and trials in Middle Tennessee.


We are seeking a Tennessee-licensed attorney with at least three years of litigation experience. Family law experience is strongly preferred. Experience in estate planning and probate is a valued addition, as this role includes a blended caseload over time.


You will manage primarily family law matters from consultation through resolution, while supporting estate and probate cases as assigned. Our approach prioritizes thoughtful settlement when possible and thorough preparation for court when necessary.


This role is ideal for an attorney who values structure, sound judgment, and helping clients move forward with clarity rather than conflict. Base compensation ranges from $90,000 - $105,000 annually, depending on experience.


Attorneys are also in a transparent, performance-based bonus structure. Total annual compensation typically ranges fromapproximately $97,000 - $127,000+, depending on quarterly collected fee receipts. Bonuses are paid quarterly and calculated from collected fees. We will walk you through the formula and a real example during interviews.


After onboarding, attorneys may work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, provided they can reliably attend assigned in-person hearings, mediations, and trials in Middle Tennessee.


We also provide:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401(k) with employer contributions
  • CLE and professional development support
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Specific compensation details will be provided during the offer process.


How to Apply

If this description reflects how you want to practice law, we encourage you to apply. Resume and cover letter: An up-to-date resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with this position. References: A list of professional references we may contact. Documents: Writing sample, litigation brief, or other relevant work (optional but appreciated). We review applications carefully and will contact selected candidates to schedule interviews.

Compensation:

$90,000 - $105,000 yearly


Responsibilities:
  • Manage cases from start to finish: Oversee a caseload of primarily family law matters, along with estate planning and probate cases as assigned, from intake through resolution. 
  • Client communication: Maintain consistent, professional communication so clients understand their options, timelines, and next steps. 
  • Client counseling and strategy: Provide sound legal advice grounded in careful review of facts, financial records, and applicable law. 
  • Settlement and litigation preparation: Pursue reasonable resolution where appropriate, while preparing cases thoroughly for hearing or trial when necessary. 
  • Court and mediation appearances: Represent clients in mediations, hearings, and trials with preparation and composure. 
  • Document drafting: Prepare pleadings, agreements, orders, wills, and related documents accurately and on time. 
  • Case management: Monitor deadlines, maintain organized files, and comply with court and firm requirements. 
  • Team collaboration: Work closely with support staff to ensure proactive, efficient case management. 
  • Professional conduct: Demonstrate integrity, steadiness, and sound judgment in all interactions. 

Qualifications:
  • Licensed to practice in Tennessee.
  • Minimum three years of litigation experience, family law strongly preferred.
  • Estate planning and/or probate experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational and case management skills. 
  • Professional presence and alignment with firm systems and values. 

About Company

Brighter Day Law helps families navigate difficult transitions with preparation, integrity, and steady legal guidance across Tennessee and Colorado. We are committed to long-term outcomes that protect what matters most.

Our team operates in a structured, coaching-oriented environment where expectations are clear, feedback is direct and respectful, and performance is recognized and rewarded. We pursue excellence through preparation and refinement, not urgency or burnout.

How to Apply

We do not start with resumes. Instead, we ask all applicants to record short video responses to four questions. After you apply, you will receive an email with the questions and submission instructions.

The process is intentional. Candidates who engage with it carefully tell us something important about how they will show up in the role. If that sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.