ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Marshall & Taylor, PLLC

Junior Attorney

Raleigh, NC

$89K/yr

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 associates ...

AVE Staffing

Corporate Attorney

Durham, NC · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Associate Attorney - Business & Corporate Location: Raleigh, NC A highly respected, multi-disciplinary law firm in Raleigh is seeking an entrepreneurial Associate Attorney to join its thriving ...

next page

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.

Structured Finance Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Raleigh, NC • Hybrid

$235K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Structured Finance Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Structured Finance Associate Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law 100 law firm. This is an exciting opportunity for an attorney with at least two years of law firm experience who is interested in sophisticated structured finance transactions, with a focus on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

Locations

Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Northfield, NJ; Palo Alto, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Raleigh, NC; Reston, VA; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Short Hills, NJ; Washington, DC; Wilmington, DE

About the Role

The successful candidate will join a nationally recognized Finance practice, advising clients on complex structured finance transactions involving commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys on high-profile transactions while developing deep expertise in commercial real estate finance and securitization.

Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on sophisticated structured finance and CMBS transactions.

  • Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents and financing agreements.

  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, contracts, and other legal documents.

  • Manage transactions from inception through closing while coordinating with clients and internal teams.

  • Collaborate with attorneys across practice groups to develop effective transaction strategies.

  • Maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and practical legal guidance.

  • Stay current on legal developments affecting structured finance and commercial real estate transactions.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school.

  • Active bar admission in the jurisdiction where you will be practicing.

  • Minimum of 2 years of law firm experience.

  • Experience with commercial real estate finance, CMBS, structured finance, or securities offerings is preferred but not required.

  • Prior experience with an Am Law 100 firm is a plus.

  • Excellent analytical, research, drafting, and negotiation skills.

  • Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple matters simultaneously.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation

$235,000 – $390,000, depending on geographic market, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Hybrid work environment

  • Professional development and mentorship opportunities

  • Robust pro bono and community engagement initiatives

If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply today.