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Entry Level Associate Attorney Jobs in Seattle, WA

Associate Claims Counsel

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Old Republic Title is seeking an Associate Claims Counsel to evaluate, manage, and resolve title ... This is an excellent opportunity for entry-level attorneys - including candidates who are fresh out ...

Entry Level Associate Attorney information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$52.3K

$123.1K

$196.3K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level associate attorney in Seattle, WA is $123,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $147,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA? For Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Associate Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Associate Attorney job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,089 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

$94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Entry-Level Attorney
POSITION SUMMARY
Under general supervision, the Level 1 Attorney represents people primarily in civil proceedings under contempt of court and Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) proceedings (RCW 71.05) where loss of liberty is at risk. The role requires frequent collaboration with clients, social workers, investigators, mental health professionals, treatment providers, and court personnel. Attorneys in this position may rotate into criminal defense assignments in the future based on office needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provide legal representation to assigned clients at all stages of legal proceedings.
  • Review discovery and court pleadings, research legal issues, and counsel clients.
  • Refer appropriate cases for social work services.
  • Prepare and present written and verbal legal arguments clearly and logically.
  • Conduct pretrial negotiations with assigned prosecutors.
  • Prepare and argue post-trial motions as needed.
  • Communicate regularly with clients using trauma-informed approaches.
  • Work cooperatively with colleagues. Provide coverage as needed.
  • Maintain case files in Legal Server. Document all work done on behalf of the client.
  • Independently manage a large caseload and meet deadlines.
  • Comply with WA State Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Provide mentorship to Rule 9 and legal interns as assigned.
  • Maintain knowledge of current practices and developments in the law.
  • Attend continuing legal education seminars as required by the WSBA.
  • Interact with all criminal justice system participants to promote respect, including people affected by mental health, substance abuse, or other personality disorders.
  • Prioritize collaboration and cooperation in your interactions with all Defenders.
  • Hold yourself accountable when contributing to differences in power and identity, and act in ways which honor the authenticity, value, and dignity of each Defender.
  • Seek to cultivate constructive relationships with court stakeholders for the benefit of clients, and represent SCPDA with mindfulness, compassion, and consideration towards others.
  • Advance and/or progress toward recognizing and naming racism and other oppressions within our work.
  • Intentionally engage in antiracism learning using a framework (example: Awareness, Knowledge, Skills and Action).
  • Adhere to company policies and procedures.
  • Participate in meetings as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Licensed attorney in good standing with and member of the Washington State Bar Association.
  • Knowledge of Washington State civil commitment, contempt and criminal law.
  • Knowledge of Washington and federal rules of evidence and criminal procedures.
  • Able to build new capacities for learning and seek opportunities to expand your approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to align your actions with the rules and guidelines of professional conduct.
  • Ability to curiously explore and incorporate perspectives different from your own.
  • Ability to keep regular office hours and maintain a workload which may require after-hours or weekend work.
  • Accept direction and feedback and follow through appropriately. Incorporates feedback into future performance.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn and use variety of software applications.
  • Ability to maintain ethical and professional standards of the office and observe strict confidentiality.
  • Elevate deliberativeness over reactivity and take responsibility for intention and impact.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. Some duties may be performed hybrid with supervisor approval where consistent with court and client needs.
  • Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
  • Frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.
  • Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to work at computer or desk area for extended periods of time.
  • Requires ability, with or without accommodation, to use computer screen and other electronic devices, input information, read and interpret data from the screen.

This job description provides an outline of essential functions and is not all-inclusive SCPDA may modify it at any time.
  • The Association provides an employer retirement contribution currently set at 5.58%, with no employee deferral required.
  • The Association pays 100% of employee medical and dental premiums.

Automatic enrollment in employer-paid coverage includes:
  • $20,000 Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • 21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually at hire, accrued per pay period
  • 11 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Continuing Education funding up to $450 per year, in accordance with policy and budget guidelines
  • Combination of in-office and supervisor-approved flexible scheduling.

EAP which includes:
  • Civil legal consultations
  • Financial counseling
  • Confidential counseling sessions
  • Work-life support resources

The Snohomish County Public Defender Association is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Accepting applications on a rolling basis. Email opportunities@snocopda.org if you have any questions. Thank you.