1

Associate Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Friedman Williams is seeking a talented and motivated M&A Attorney to join our client's team in Rochester, NY. This position is ideal for a third to fifth-year associate with a strong background in ...

At UK King's Daughters, we're not just a healthcare facility - we're a family of dedicated professionals who share a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients. We're ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Attorney information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Rochester, NY is $106,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $128,300.00 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,718 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Litigation Attorney (2-6 yrs)

Litigation Attorney (2-6 yrs)

PHILLIPS LYTLE LLP

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$130K - $153K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Phillips Lytle is looking to expand our talent within our Litigation Practice.

We are seeking enterprising candidates, ideally experienced at handling commercial disputes in state, federal and arbitration forums.

Phillips Lytle has an excellent reputation and a roster of high-profile clients, including Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies in industries such as financial services, environmental and land use, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences.

The Litigation Practice Group seeks to hire an Attorney (Rochester) with 2-6 years of experience handling complex litigation in state and federal forums. Applicants should highlight significant matters, types of claims or industries with which they have experience. Labor and employment litigation/arbitration experience is a plus. Applicants should have practical knowledge, superior writing and communication skills and a strong academic record.

We offer a flexible workplace, a commitment to advancement, and significant client contact and responsibility. We value community engagement and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are focused on growing our Firm across our entire footprint, and welcome Associates who are looking for an inclusive and equitable environment, where mentoring, feedback and training are emphasized.

Annual salary range for this position is $130,000-$153,000. Actual pay may be adjusted based on experience or other job-related factors permitted by law.

Other benefits include:

  • Bonus Program
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Basic Group Life AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • 401k & Roth Plan Options with Employer Match
  • Flexible Spending Account Plan Options
  • 10 Annual Holidays
  • Paid Time Off

NOTE: PHILLIPS LYTLE IS NOT WORKING WITH ANY SEARCH FIRMS IN CONNECTION WITH FILLING THIS POSITION.

LOCATIONS: Rochester, New York, United States