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Attorney Bar Exam Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Resident/Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$66K - $104K/yr

After sitting for the Bar exam, Residency participants will join MFL to receive training in ... Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$66K - $104K/yr

After sitting for the Bar exam, Residency participants will join MFL to receive training in ... Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

$83K - $153K/yr

After sitting for the Bar exam, Residency participants will join MFL to receive training in ... Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$66K - $130K/yr

After sitting for the Bar exam, Residency participants will join MFL to receive training in ... Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Everett, WA · On-site

$83K - $153K/yr

After sitting for the Bar exam, Residency participants will join MFL to receive training in ... Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$66K - $104K/yr

After sitting for the Bar exam, Residency participants will join MFL to receive training in ... Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact ...

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Attorney Bar Exam information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do attorney bar exam jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for attorney bar exam in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the attorney bar exam?

The Attorney Bar Exam is a professional examination that law school graduates must pass in order to become licensed attorneys and practice law in a specific jurisdiction. The exam typically tests knowledge of general legal principles, state-specific laws, and the ability to apply legal reasoning to practical scenarios. In some states, attorneys already licensed in another jurisdiction may take a specialized 'Attorney's Exam' instead of the full bar exam. Passing the bar exam is a crucial step in becoming a practicing attorney and upholding the standards of the legal profession.

What are some common challenges new attorneys face after passing the bar exam and starting their first legal job?

New attorneys often find that transitioning from law school and bar exam preparation to actual legal practice presents several challenges. These can include managing a heavy workload, adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department, and learning how to interact professionally with clients and colleagues. Additionally, new attorneys may need to quickly develop practical skills such as legal drafting, negotiation, and time management that are not always emphasized in academic settings. Mentorship and seeking feedback from more experienced attorneys can be invaluable during this period of adjustment.

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

To thrive as an Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, successful completion of the bar exam, and a solid understanding of legal principles and case law. Proficiency in legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as document management systems, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and ethical judgment are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective client representation, accurate legal analysis, and compliance with professional standards.

What is the difference between Attorney Bar Exam vs Paralegal Certification?

AspectAttorney Bar ExamParalegal Certification
Required CredentialsLaw degree (JD), passing the Bar ExamParalegal certificate or diploma, sometimes an associate degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government offices
Industry UsageLicensed attorneys authorized to practice lawLegal support professionals assisting attorneys
PurposeTo become a licensed attorney eligible to practice lawTo gain legal support skills and enhance employability

The Attorney Bar Exam is a licensing requirement for becoming a practicing attorney, involving extensive legal education and passing the exam. Paralegal Certification, on the other hand, qualifies individuals to support attorneys but does not grant licensure to practice law. Both roles are integral to the legal industry but serve different functions and career paths.

More about Attorney Bar Exam jobs

What cities are hiring for Attorney Bar Exam jobs?

Cities with the most Attorney Bar Exam job openings:

What states have the most Attorney Bar Exam jobs?

States with the most job openings for Attorney Bar Exam jobs include:

Infographic showing various Attorney Bar Exam job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

February 2027 Bar Taker

Chicago, IL • On-site

Cook County State's Attorney's Office
Police Protection • 1 - 5K employees

$61K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

This application is for law students who plan to graduate at the conclusion of the Fall 2026 semester and plan to sit for the February 2027 Illinois Bar Exam

If you are looking to devote your career to working with a nationally recognized litigation team, apply to the Cook County States Attorneys Office as a future Assistant States Attorney (ASA). The Office of the Cook County States Attorney is the second largest county prosecution office in the country employing more than 700 lawyers.

The legal staff is diverse and reflective of the community it serves. CCSAO is looking for candidates with varied experience. Some factors we may consider are:

  • Favorable Academic Standing (GPA of 2.5 and above) at an ABA-accredited law school
  • Excellent Writing Ability
  • Law School Activities- i.e. Mock Trial Competition or Moot Court, Trial Team
  • Course Selections - i.e., Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Trial Advocacy, Appellate Advocacy, Clinical courses, etc.
  • Documented interest in public service and/or criminal law
  • Highest standards of professional and personal integrity

A completed application consists of:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Official or un-official transcript (self-prepared transcripts will not be accepted)
  • One legal writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages)

Deadline to apply is August 30, 2026.

Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis through the end of the Fall 2026 semester. Written offers may not be sent out until December 2026.

Applicants must sit for and pass the MPRE and February 2027 Illinois Bar Exam to remain with the office. The start date for this role is March 2027. This is a full-time role with benefits.

The current salary for Bar Takers is $61,320. The current salary for new ASAs (after passage of the bar exam and admission to the IL Bar) is $96,608. Employment with the office is contingent on successfully passing the MPRE and February 2027 Bar Exam as well as being admitted and sworn into the Illinois Bar.

Assignments are made based upon the staffing needs of the office. Bar Takers may be assigned to suburban courthouses or a Chicago branch court outside of their commuting preferences. Applicants must be prepared to be assigned to any CCSAO location in Cook County and must arrange transportation, either by car or by public transportation, to that assignment if necessary.
The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office does not sponsor H1-B work visa petitions.

Note: This position is on-site, in-person.

Physical Requirements: (a) Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The Cook County States Attorneys Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.