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Entry Level 3L Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level 3L Attorney information

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$40K

$103.8K

$165.5K

How much do entry level 3l attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 3l attorney in the United States is $103,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level 3L Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 3L Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, successful completion of the bar exam, and strong legal research and writing abilities. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, is typically expected. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication skills help new attorneys excel in client interactions and team settings. These competencies are crucial for providing effective legal support, meeting client needs, and building a successful legal career.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can an Entry Level 3L Attorney expect during their first year at a law firm?

As an Entry Level 3L Attorney, you can expect to support senior attorneys with legal research, drafting motions, reviewing documents, and preparing case files. Your daily work will likely involve attending client meetings, assisting with discovery, and observing court proceedings. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as you'll work closely with associates, paralegals, and partners to learn firm procedures and case strategies. While the workload can be demanding, it offers valuable learning experiences and opportunities to develop your legal skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.

What are Entry Level 3L Attorneys?

Entry Level 3L Attorneys are law students in their third (final) year of law school who are seeking their first legal job, often as a junior associate or law clerk. They typically have completed most of their coursework and internships and are preparing to graduate and take the bar exam. These positions help new graduates gain practical experience and transition into full-time legal practice. Employers often hire 3L students on the condition that they pass the bar exam after graduation.

What is the difference between Entry Level 3L Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level 3L AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission or eligibilityAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client interaction, assisting attorneysLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level 3L Attorneys typically hold a JD and are preparing for bar admission, focusing on legal analysis and client work. Paralegals assist attorneys with case management and document preparation but do not require a JD or bar admission. While both roles work in legal environments, Entry Level 3L Attorneys have more advanced responsibilities and legal training, making them a step closer to practicing law.

More about Entry Level 3L Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level 3L Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 3L Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3L Attorney jobs? The most popular types of 3L Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level 3L Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level 3L Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level 3L Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 3L Attorney jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3L Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,761 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

$82K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE ORLEANS PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (OPDA):
Jason Rogers Williams took office as the Orleans Parish District Attorney on January 11, 2021, and is building a 21st century prosecutors' office with a team of the best and brightest lawyers from around the country and a mission of being as smart on crime as the office has historically been tough on crime. It is the mission of OPDA to increase public safety through the ethical, consistent, and zealous enforcement of the law.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
To represent the State of Louisiana in all criminal matters before courts with jurisdiction in Orleans Parish. These courts include, but are not limited to: Municipal and Traffic Court, Juvenile Court, Criminal District Court, the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, the Louisiana Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
ADAs are generally assigned to one of OPDA's five primary legal divisions: Juvenile Division, Screening Division, Trials Division, Appeals Division, and Civil Rights Division. Within the Juvenile and Trials Divisions, ADAs are generally assigned to specific sections of court. ADAs may also be assigned to one of several specialized, in-house units: Domestic Violence Unit, Narcotics Unit, Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Unit, and Violent Crimes Unit.
Typical duties include: reviewing felony and misdemeanor cases for prosecution; interacting with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses; drafting bills of information, motions, and other pleadings; preparing discovery; performing legal research; appearing and arguing in court with regularity; developing trial strategies and conducting plea negotiations; and conducting jury selection and trials.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
  • Member of the Louisiana Bar in good standing, or 3L student or recent law school graduate planning to take the Louisiana bar exam
  • Ability to conduct legal research and apply legal analysis to factual scenarios
  • Public speaking ability and effective communication skills
  • Comfort with technology, including ability to learn case management software
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including some weeks of over 40 hours
  • Dependability in both attendance and work product
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary commensurate with experience.
Entry Level ADA: Ranges from $65,000 (no litigation experience) to $70,000 (may have some litigation experience, but no substantial criminal prosecution experience).
Intermediate ADA: Ranges from $71,000 to $82,000. Hires in this range are expected to have litigation experience and proficiency in criminal law.
Experienced ADA: Ranges from $82,000 to $105,000 starting salary. Hires in this range are expected to hold a high degree of proficiency in criminal prosecution, with substantial jury trial experience handling all levels cases.
New ADA hires may be eligible for:
  • Enrollment in the City of New Orleans health insurance plan Includes:(medical, dental, vision)
  • 6.44 hours of sick leave and no fewer than 6.44 hours of vacation leave per month (6.44 hours per month = approximately 10 days per year)
  • Enrollment in the Louisiana District Attorneys' Retirement System
  • Enrollment in the Louisiana Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
  • A generous paid holiday schedule
  • Frequent, free opportunities for Continuing Legal Education and other relevant training

CLASSIFICATION:
Full-time, exempt
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT