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Associate Attorney Jobs in Pendleton, IN (NOW HIRING)

We are currently seeking a staff attorney supervised by the Assistant General Counsel for the Regulatory Bureau in representing the agency in litigation and enforcement matters. In addition, the ...

We are currently seeking a staff attorney supervised by the Assistant General Counsel for the Regulatory Bureau in representing the agency in litigation and enforcement matters. In addition, the ...

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Associate Attorney information

See Pendleton, IN salary details

$44.6K

$104.8K

$167.2K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Pendleton, IN is $104,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $126,000.00 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 cities near Pendleton, IN are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Pendleton, IN with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Associate Attorney

$67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.

Role Overview

DNR Legal provides legal support to all Divisions within the Department of Natural Resources, including but not limited to Water, Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife, State Parks, and Law Enforcement. The Divisions are divided into the Regulatory Bureau, Landholding Bureau, and Law Enforcement. DNR Legal consists of General Counsel, three Assistant General Counsels, and senior attorneys. We are currently seeking a staff attorney supervised by the Assistant General Counsel for the Regulatory Bureau in representing the agency in litigation and enforcement matters. In addition, the staff attorney may assist the Assistant General Counsels for the Landholding Bureau and Rulemaking as needed. 

Salary Statement

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 if you have less than 5 years of experience. If you have over 5 years of experience, that salary would start at $85,020.00 

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff;
  • Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas;
  • May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts;
  • Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice in relation to laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions pertaining to agency operations;
  • May draft and review legislation and administrative rules;
  • Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures;
  • Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions;
  • Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development;
  • Sets expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures;
  • May handle administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and/or make reasoned decisions supported by evidence;
  • May be required to utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations;
  • Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation;
  • May review pleadings, motions, and discovery;
  • May draft appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time. 

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • A Doctorate of Jurisprudence
  • Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing;
  • Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules;
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders;
  • Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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