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Associate Lawyers In Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aldridge Pite Haan

Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

The law firm of Aldridge Pite Haan is a leading creditor's rights law firm and is currently seeking an Associate Attorney in Georgia. The Associate Attorney will be working primarily on consumer and ...

Wegman

Finance Associate Attorney

Houston, TX

National firm is seeking a Finance Associate Attorney to join their Houston office ... Practice will represent sponsors and lenders in domestic and international credit transactions.

Orion Placement

Associate Attorney

New York, NY · Hybrid

$135K - $180K/yr

Work alongside elite practitioners consistently named among the Best Lawyers in America and New ... for associates to grow with it * Be part of a team with deep expertise across construction ...

Kosmos

Associate Attorney

Roswell, NM · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

You can live anywhere in New Mexico as it is a remote position with a full benefits package Purpose: The Associate Attorney will manage cases with an emphasis on residential real estate litigation ...

Kosmos

Associate Attorney

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

You can live anywhere in New Mexico as it is a remote position with a full benefits package Purpose: The Associate Attorney will manage cases with an emphasis on residential real estate litigation ...

Kosmos

Associate Attorney

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

You can live anywhere in New Mexico as it is a remote position with a full benefits package Purpose: The Associate Attorney will manage cases with an emphasis on residential real estate litigation ...

Kosmos

Associate Attorney

Albuquerque, NM

$100K - $200K/yr

You can live anywhere in New Mexico as it is a remote position with a full benefits package Purpose: The Associate Attorney will manage cases with an emphasis on residential real estate litigation ...

Kosmos

Associate Attorney

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

You can live anywhere in New Mexico as it is a remote position with a full benefits package Purpose: The Associate Attorney will manage cases with an emphasis on residential real estate litigation ...

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Associate Lawyers In information

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$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do associate lawyers in jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate lawyers in in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate lawyer do?

An associate lawyer provides legal services under the supervision of a senior attorney, including researching legal issues, drafting documents, and representing clients in court or negotiations. They often handle case preparation, client consultations, and legal research using tools like legal databases. This role typically requires a law degree and passing the bar exam.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Lawyer, you need a law degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and successful completion of the bar exam. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as document management systems, is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding associates apart. These skills and tools are crucial for building persuasive cases, supporting clients, and ensuring accuracy in a demanding legal environment.

What is the difference between Associate Lawyers In vs Paralegals?

AspectAssociate Lawyers InParalegals
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionPost-secondary education, certification varies
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departmentsLegal offices, law firms, corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, law firms, corporate legal teamsLegal support roles, law firms, corporate legal departments

Associate Lawyers In and Paralegals both work within legal environments, but associate lawyers are licensed attorneys with law degrees and bar admission, handling legal cases and client representation. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files without requiring a law license. The main difference lies in credentials and responsibilities, with associate lawyers In having a broader scope of legal authority and client interaction.

Should I use JD or ESQ?

For associate lawyers, the appropriate professional designation is typically 'Esq.' (Esquire), which is used in the United States to denote licensed attorneys. 'JD' (Juris Doctor) indicates the degree earned and is usually included in resumes or educational credentials, but it is not a formal title used in correspondence or professional signage. Using 'Esq.' after your name is common in legal practice to signify your licensed status.

What are associate lawyers?

Associate lawyers are early- to mid-career attorneys who work at law firms or legal departments under the supervision of more senior lawyers or partners. Their responsibilities typically include conducting legal research, drafting documents, assisting with case preparation, and representing clients in certain legal matters. Associates are usually on a track to become partners within the firm, depending on their performance and the firm’s structure. They often work long hours and handle a variety of legal tasks to gain experience across different practice areas. The role serves as a foundational step in a legal career, providing essential training and mentorship.

What are some common challenges Associate Lawyers face during their first year, and how can they effectively navigate them?

Associate Lawyers often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, adapting to firm procedures, and learning to balance competing deadlines. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the pace and expectations, but seeking mentorship, asking clarifying questions, and proactively organizing tasks can help. Regular communication with senior lawyers and peers also facilitates a smoother transition and fosters professional growth. Embracing feedback and continuous learning are key to overcoming early-career hurdles in this role.

How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

Associate lawyers typically need to gain extensive experience, specialize in high-demand areas like corporate or intellectual property law, and work at large firms or in lucrative markets to reach a $500,000 annual income. Building a strong reputation, developing client relationships, and pursuing partnership or senior roles can also increase earning potential.

What jobs can I get with an associate's degree in law?

An associate's degree in law can qualify individuals for roles such as legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary, which involve supporting attorneys with research, document preparation, and case management. These positions typically require strong organizational skills, familiarity with legal software, and knowledge of legal procedures, but do not require a law license or advanced degree.
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What states have the most Associate Lawyers In jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Lawyers In jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Associate Lawyers In jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Lawyers In jobs are:
Associate Lawyers In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Lawyers In job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Litigation Associate Attorney (Employment & General Litigation)

Direct Counsel

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Litigation Associate Attorney (Employment & General Litigation)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to join a sophisticated California litigation practice with a strong focus on labor & employment matters.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a 4–7 year litigation associate with significant employment defense and wage & hour experience to work on sophisticated matters involving PAGA, class actions, discrimination, retaliation, and complex business disputes.

The role offers substantial hands-on responsibility across all phases of litigation, meaningful client contact, and direct collaboration with experienced trial lawyers in a collegial, lifestyle-conscious firm environment.

Location

San Francisco, California

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 4–7 years of substantive litigation experience, including strong experience defending employers in:

  • Wage and hour litigation
  • PAGA representative actions
  • Employment class actions
  • Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims
  • Administrative agency proceedings
  • General commercial litigation matters

This role primarily supports the Labor & Employment practice, while also offering exposure to broader business litigation work.

Key Responsibilities
  • Handle matters through all phases of litigation, including:
    • Pre-litigation strategy
    • Pleadings
    • Discovery
    • Motion practice
    • Mediation
    • Trial preparation
    • Post-trial proceedings
  • Draft:
    • Complaints and answers
    • Demurrers
    • Motions for summary judgment
    • Discovery requests and responses
    • Briefs and case strategy memoranda
  • Defend employers in:
    • Wage and hour disputes
    • PAGA claims
    • Class actions
    • EEOC and Labor Commissioner proceedings
  • Conduct and defend depositions
  • Prepare witnesses for hearings, arbitrations, and trial
  • Support handbook review, policy drafting, and employment compliance counseling
  • Assist with internal investigations and witness interviews
  • Collaborate with partners on litigation strategy and resolution planning
  • Work with experts on damages analysis and case themes
  • Maintain regular communication with clients, courts, vendors, and opposing counsel
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • 4–7 years of litigation experience
  • Strong employment litigation defense background required
  • Significant wage and hour, PAGA, and class action experience required
  • Experience calculating damages strongly preferred
  • Experience reviewing employee handbooks preferred
  • Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
  • Strong client-facing communication style
  • Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters independently
  • California bar admission required
Compensation

Base salary range: $175,000 – $210,000

Compensation will depend on experience level and overall fit.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will be:

  • Strong in California wage & hour defense
  • Experienced with PAGA and class action workflows
  • Comfortable taking ownership of cases
  • Strategic and practical in advocacy style
  • Interested in both employment and broader litigation work
  • Looking for sophisticated matters with better lifestyle balance
Why This Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a California L&E litigator seeking substantive employment defense work, significant stand-up opportunities, and a strong quality-of-life platform. The San Francisco market positioning plus PAGA/class action focus makes this especially attractive to laterals coming from labor boutiques or mid-sized defense firms.