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Attorney Starting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ontario County

Assistant Public Defender

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$121K/yr

Salary: 2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr. 2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr. *** Please note adjustments ...

Ontario County

Assistant Public Defender

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$121K/yr

Salary: 2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr. 2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr. *** Please note adjustments ...

Burress Injury Law PLLC

Associate Attorney

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Compensation, especially bonuses, tends to increase very significantly for successful attorneys starting in year 2 as they begin successfully closing cases. Benefits Offered: * Paid time off * Health ...

Burress Injury Law PLLC

Associate Attorney

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Compensation, especially bonuses, tends to increase very significantly for successful attorneys starting in year 2 as they begin successfully closing cases. Benefits Offered: Paid time off Health ...

Burress Injury Law PLLC

Associate Attorney

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Compensation, especially bonuses, tends to increase very significantly for successful attorneys starting in year 2 as they begin successfully closing cases. Benefits Offered: * Paid time off * Health ...

Prince William County, VA

Paralegal - Specialty Units

VA · On-site

$49K - $94K/yr

Please attach a resume and cover letter to the attention of the Honorable Amy Ashworth, Commonwealth's Attorney. Starting Salary Range: $65,000.00 to $69,000.00 Prince William County Government ...

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How much do attorney starting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for attorney starting 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 are some common challenges faced by attorneys starting their careers, and how can they overcome them?

New attorneys often face challenges such as managing a steep learning curve, balancing heavy workloads, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of legal practice. It's common to feel overwhelmed by billable hour expectations and the need to quickly develop practical skills beyond law school theory. To overcome these challenges, early-career attorneys should seek guidance from mentors, actively participate in professional development opportunities, and prioritize strong organizational habits. Building relationships within the firm and maintaining open communication with colleagues can also help ease the transition and foster growth.

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

To thrive as an Attorney Starting, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, successful bar exam completion, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Proficiency with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help new attorneys build strong client relationships and manage complex workloads. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective legal representation and building a successful legal career.

What is the difference between Attorney Starting vs Paralegal?

AspectAttorney StartingParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's Degree or Paralegal Certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal teams, government offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, client consultations, drafting legal documents, representing clients in courtLegal research, document preparation, case organization, assisting attorneys

Attorney Starting roles require a JD and bar admission, focusing on legal representation and complex legal tasks. Paralegals support attorneys with research and document work but do not practice law. Both work in similar environments, but attorneys handle more advanced legal responsibilities.

What is an Attorney Starting?

An Attorney Starting, often referred to as a junior or entry-level attorney, is a lawyer who has recently graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. They typically work under the supervision of experienced attorneys and assist with legal research, drafting documents, and case preparation. This role allows new attorneys to gain practical experience, develop legal skills, and learn the processes of the legal system. The responsibilities of an Attorney Starting may vary depending on the size and type of law firm or organization where they are employed.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For an attorney starting out, earning $3,000 a month without a degree is unlikely, as legal careers typically require formal education and licensing. However, in other fields, roles such as sales representatives, administrative assistants, or skilled trades like electricians and HVAC technicians can reach or exceed this income level with experience and certifications. Many of these jobs emphasize skills and on-the-job training over formal degrees.
What cities are hiring for Attorney Starting jobs? Cities with the most Attorney Starting job openings:
What states have the most Attorney Starting jobs? States with the most job openings for Attorney Starting jobs include:
Attorney Starting jobs near you

Assistant Public Defender

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Ontario County Public Defender’s Office is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant Public Defender position in their office.
Salary:  2026 – New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
              2026 – Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***  
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values:  All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County’s shared values and behaviors to achieve the County’s Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Shall have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, or a New York State registered college or university with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Law Degree from an accredited Law School. Shall be admitted to the practice of law in the state of New York, and shall be continuously admitted throughout the term of service as the Assistant Public Defender. Multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Public Defender shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to the county.
Experience:
A satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding in the field and practice of criminal law. Prior experience in representing individuals in a Public Defender office or through an 18-b panel is preferred but not required. Trial experience preferred but not required.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide zealous legal representation of the highest caliber. Work collaboratively
    with office attorneys, social workers, defense investigators, and administrative staff.
    Promote a collaborative, client-centered office setting.
  • Assist the Public Defender in handling a full caseload of criminal matters including
    arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, hearings, and trials.
    Appear at criminal and administrative proceedings in the local, county, and state
    courts located within Ontario County.
  • Handling first appearances in courts throughout Ontario County and the Centralized
    Arraignment Part.
  • Assist the Public Defender in legal research in the preparation of pretrial motions
    and trial memoranda.
  • Maintain accurate records and updated files.
  • Represent clients accused of violating terms of their supervision in parole
    proceedings.
  • Assist the Public Defender by maintaining frequent client contact by phone, paper
    correspondence, and performing routine visits to incarcerated clients.
  • Work with defense investigators to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated.
    Collaborate with office social work staff on behalf of clients in need of services.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
EOE
 

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