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Associate Attorney Jobs in Wayzata, MN (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Associate Attorney, Real Estate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Our client, a well-established, full-service law practice serving clients throughout the Twin Cities, is looking to add an Associate Attorney to our Real Estate group. We're a mid-sized shop with a ...

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Associate Attorney information

See Wayzata, MN salary details

$46.6K

$109.5K

$174.7K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in Wayzata, MN is $109,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $131,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Associate Attorney jobs

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Associate Attorney jobs near you

Estate Planning Associate Attorney (3+ years experience)

Messerli Kramer PA

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Estate Planning Associate Attorney
LOCATION: Work between Minneapolis and St. Michael, MN offices (Hybrid position)
POSITION DETAILS
WE ARE GROWING! We are looking for an Associate to join our firm to help support our seasoned Estate Planning Attorneys. We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Estate Planning Attorney to join our growing legal team. The ideal candidate will advise individuals, families, and business owners on a wide range of estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance strategies, asset protection, business succession planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies. This position requires strong legal drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients.
Requirements
Essential Functions and Duties:
  • Meet with clients to assess estate planning needs and develop customized estate plans.
  • Draft and review estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents.
  • Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.
  • Develop asset protection and wealth preservation strategies.
  • Assist business owners with succession planning and ownership transition matters.
  • Counsel fiduciaries, trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries regarding estate and trust administration.
  • Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors to implement client objectives.
  • Conduct legal research and remain current on changes in estate planning, tax, trust, and probate laws.
  • Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with firm policies.
  • Participate in business development, networking, community involvement, and client relationship-building activities.
  • Manage probate and estate administration matters from initial intake meeting to final distribution of the estate.

Education and Licensure
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction.

Experience
  • 3+ years of experience practicing estate planning, trust and estate administration, or a related area of law preferred.
  • Experience drafting sophisticated estate planning documents and advising high-net-worth individuals is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and tax planning principles.
  • Excellent legal writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and client counseling abilities.
  • Ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and practical manner.
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff.
  • Proficiency with legal research tools and document management systems.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with advanced estate planning techniques, including irrevocable trusts, charitable planning, special needs trusts, and business succession planning.
  • Existing referral relationships or demonstrated business development experience.
  • LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning (preferred but not required).

Compensation and Bonus Information
Base compensation will vary based on level of experience. Associate compensation range $95,000-$120,000. Associate Attorneys are also eligible for monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance.
Benefits
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• HSA & FSA Accounts
• Employer Contribution to HSA if enrolled in High-Deductible Health Insurance plan.
• 401K, with 4% company contribution (after completion of 1 year of service)
• Paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Marketing & Business Development budget
• Bar license and CLE reimbursements
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement
• Hybrid Remote Schedule
We conduct criminal background checks on all individuals offered employment.
Applicants with a disability that need an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 612.672.3600 or email recruiting@messerlikramer.com.
Messerli Kramer is fully committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of Messerli Kramer to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic orientation, physical or mental disability or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the responsibilities of the position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the person in this position will encounter. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a professional, fast-paced office environment that may require additional hours to complete work.
The physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. If an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, Messerli Kramer will evaluate whether a reasonable accommodation can be made to enable the employee to perform the described essential functions of the position. Due to the nature of this office position, while performing the responsibilities of the position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to manage or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

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