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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 are entry level attorneys?

Entry level attorneys are recent law school graduates or individuals who have recently passed the bar exam and are beginning their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys and assist with research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare cases. Entry level attorneys can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their responsibilities often focus on learning practical legal skills and gaining experience in their chosen field of law.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage caseloads effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing sound legal advice, meeting deadlines, and establishing a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level attorneys in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment of law firms, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical legal skills. Navigating client expectations, learning firm protocols, and handling multiple assignments simultaneously can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, new attorneys should proactively seek feedback, build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, and prioritize effective time management. Open communication and a willingness to continuously learn are key to successful integration and professional growth in the early stages of a legal career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting legal documents, client consultationsLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level Attorneys and Paralegals often work in similar environments and share some responsibilities, but attorneys require a JD and bar admission to practice law, while paralegals support attorneys without needing a law license. The roles differ mainly in legal authority and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in California? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in California? For Entry Level Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:
Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Entry-Level Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Entry-Level Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Associate Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with an established firm in the Bakersfield/Kern area. As the Criminal Defense Associate Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Associate Attorney will manage their 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

  • At least 1 year of Criminal Defense Experience
     
  • Experience handling complex criminal cases at the federal, state, and local levels
     
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
     
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required
     
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to exceptional client service

Pay Range: $80,000 to $90,000 annually

Pay ranges can vary depending on experience on a case-by-case basis.

Why Join The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C.:
 
Here at The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., we offer excellent benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance), an attractive compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! As a Criminal Defense Attorney, you will have the opportunity to advance your career while learning alongside a team of professionals within the legal industry.
 
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetics. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Apply