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Associate Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Salary: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 The McIlveen Family Law Firm is now hiring an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience. We are looking for a motivated Attorney with exceptional trial ...

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McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K/yr

The McIlveen Family Law Firm is now hiring an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience. We are looking for a motivated Attorney with exceptional trial, negotiation, research, and communication ...

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The McIlveen Family Law Firm is now hiring an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience. We are looking for a motivated Attorney with exceptional trial, negotiation, research, and communication ...

Gantt Family Law

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

Join Gantt Family Law as an Associate Family Law Attorney! If you are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of families during challenging times and thrive in a collaborative ...

Hall Booth Smith, P.C

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$130K/yr

C. is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Medical Malpractice/Professional Liability team to defend health care providers in civil litigation and provide representation for health care ...

Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$130K/yr

C. (HBS) is seeking an Associate Attorney to join their expanding Civil Litigation practice group(s). This is an opportunity to join a growing team and office, learn from experienced litigators ...

Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$130K/yr

C. is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Medical Malpractice/Professional Liability team to defend health care providers in civil litigation and provide representation for health care ...

AVE Staffing

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... Litigation Associate to manage and scale a high-volume stream of quality, high-margin leads. This role is designed for a trial-ready attorney with 1-2 years of experience who wants consistent ...

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AVE Staffing

Trusts & Estates Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Associate Attorney - Trusts & Estates/Business Our client, a dynamic and collaborative law firm in Raleigh, NC , seeks an Associate Attorney with a unique blend of trusts & estates and business law ...

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Marshall & Taylor, PLLC

Junior Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Description Our law firm has a full-time associate attorney position available now, and we're looking for the right professional to join our team. You will have the opportunity to learn from senior ...

Whitaker & Hamer, PLLC

Attorney

Garner, NC · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Our statewide law firm is seeking an experienced, attorney to join our firm's Wake County team (Raleigh, Garner and Fuquay locations) as an associate attorney. The ideal candidate would have at least ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Attorney JobsAssociate Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Associate Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.7K

$105.1K

$167.7K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Raleigh, NC is $105,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $126,400.00 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.
More about Associate Attorney jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Associate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, 27% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,134 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney

Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Smith Debnam (www.smithdebnamlaw.com) is seeking candidates for a full-time litigation associate position to assist in the representation of businesses in matters related to Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Equipment Leasing & Finance Litigation, Commercial Creditor Bankruptcy, and general Creditors’ Rights.

The following are pre-requisites for this position:

  • Minimum of two years experience in some mix of the above listed practice areas
  • Worked in a private litigation practice, with an understanding of the business aspects of managing a law practice
  • NC Bar license in good standing
  • Strong legal analysis and writing skills
  • Strong courtroom and negotiation skills
  • Demonstrated leadership ability
  • Self-motivated, including desire and ability to market his/her practice

Ideal candidate’s experience will include:

  • Dual licensed in NC and SC (or willingness to obtain SC licensure)
  • 3 or more years litigation experience in federal, state, and/or bankruptcy courts
  • Preference for in-office work environment in a collegial culture

This position requires being regularly present in our Raleigh, NC office, except when travelling to court appearances across the state (estimated court travel requirement of 10% to 25%)

Smith Debnam has been providing legal services to businesses and individuals in the Carolinas for over 50 years. Our attorney development philosophy supports and encourages associate attorneys in building a practice with the goal of becoming a Partner in our Firm. We provide employees with an enriching, professional work environment that rewards employee excellence, fosters teamwork, and supports professional development.

Our employees also enjoy:

  • Competitive compensation, including performance incentives
  • Quality benefit programs
  • Flexible work hours