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Entry Level Associate Attorney Jobs in California

We're looking for a new grad or early-career attorney who wants real courtroom reps and hands-on training, not a firm where you'll sit on document review for a year before getting in front of a judge.

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Entry Level Associate Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do entry level associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level associate attorney in California is $106,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level associate attorney?

An Entry Level Associate Attorney is a newly licensed lawyer who typically works at a law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency. They assist senior attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for hearings or trials. Their responsibilities often include reviewing contracts, conducting client meetings, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and helps develop essential legal skills.

What types of cases or assignments can I expect as an entry level associate attorney?

As an Entry Level Associate Attorney, you can expect to support senior attorneys with researching case law, drafting memorandums and legal briefs, preparing litigation documents, and assisting with discovery. You may also have opportunities to attend client meetings, court hearings, or depositions depending on your firm's practice area. Workloads often vary, but you'll typically balance multiple cases and projects at once, gaining exposure to various aspects of legal practice. This hands-on experience is valuable for developing your legal knowledge and skills, while allowing you to explore potential areas of specialization for your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level associate attorney?

To thrive as an Entry Level Associate Attorney, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research and writing skills, and attention to detail are essential. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management software, is common in this role. Effective communication, time management, and adaptability are important soft skills for managing multiple cases and collaborating with senior attorneys and clients. These skills ensure associates can efficiently support casework, meet deadlines, and contribute meaningfully to the firm's legal team.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in California?

For Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Associate Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Associate Attorney job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Tax - Entry-Level Associate

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Goodwin seeks a highly qualified entry-level associate (J.D. or LLM Class of 2026 or 2027) to join ourTax practice. The Tax group works closely with the firm’s corporate practice and advises clients on a broad range of transactional tax matters, including corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; partnerships, LLCs, and other joint ventures; private equity transactions and fund formation; real estate transactions, real estate fund formation, and real estate investment trusts; venture capital transactions and fund formation; and financing and capital markets transactions.

Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in tax law and transactional practice. Coursework, internships, clerkships, or other experience involving tax, corporate, or transactional matters is preferred but not required. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively in teams, assume increasing responsibility for components of transactions, and develop the ability to manage assignments independently.

Candidates should have outstanding academic credentials and excellent written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills.

At Goodwin, lawyers and professional staff alike reach across practice areas and geographies to work together in a collaborative, collegial and entrepreneurial atmosphere.

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