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Entry Level Associate Attorney Jobs in California

Gale, Sutow & Associates

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Associate Attorney - Defense Work Comp

Cypress, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

Gale, Sutow and Associates is a law firm specializing in workers' compensation defense and ... Paralegal support and clerks support staff. Entry level salary $100,000.00+. Salary commensurate ...

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Lawyers On Demand, a Consilio Company

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CONTRACT | Legal Recruiting Assistant

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... Entry-level candidates with strong HR/Law Firm internship experience highly encouraged to apply ... Experience supporting attorney recruiting, summer associate programs, onboarding, or professional ...

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All JobsEntry Level Associate Attorney JobsEntry Level Associate Attorney Jobs in California

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 Jul 6, 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 job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Associate Attorney position, and why are they important?

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 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.

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Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs near you

Criminal Defense Attorney (Entry-level)

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Entry-Level Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with an established firm in the Los Angeles area. As the Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Entry-Level Attorney will manage a caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Criminal Defense Team of Attorneys and legal assistants.
Responsibilities
  • Advise the client on their legal rights in matters and draw up legal documents about their case
  • Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about the best strategies
  • Manage court appearances, trials, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses, and performing legal research
  • Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
  • Manage the workload of cases
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Accrue additional evidence to support the client's case or for arguments against the prosecution's charges
  • Prepare clients for depositions; determine essential goals of case strategy, and gather information from witnesses and important experts that support the client's positions

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated interest in Criminal Defense law from Law School clinics, volunteer work, or internship experience
  • Juris Doctorate degree
  • Active bar admission (law graduates awaiting admission will also be considered)
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber
  • Record of moving legal cases forward and an ability to manage a caseload
  • Experience with Case Management Software is preferred

Pay Range: $80,000-$90,000
Pay range can be exceeded based on experience on a case-by-case basis
Do you have a passion for Criminal Defense and a desire to practice within an organization with lots of room for growth? Here at the Matian Firm, we offer benefits (medical, dental and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as a Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within the legal industry.
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

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