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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AVA Law Group PLLC

Personal Injury Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early-career and entry-level attorneys are strongly encouraged to apply. AVA Law Group provides mentorship, hands-on litigation experience, and the opportunity to develop strong courtroom and ...

AVA Law Group, PLLC

Personal Injury Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early-career and entry-level attorneys are strongly encouraged to apply. AVA Law Group provides mentorship, hands-on litigation experience, and the opportunity to develop strong courtroom and ...

AVA Law Group PLLC

Personal Injury Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early-career and entry-level attorneys are strongly encouraged to apply. AVA Law Group provides mentorship, hands-on litigation experience, and the opportunity to develop strong courtroom and ...

Reciprocity Industries

Personal Injury Attorney

San Diego, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Early-career and entry-level attorneys are strongly encouraged to apply. AVA Law Group provides mentorship, hands-on litigation experience, and the opportunity to develop strong courtroom and ...

State Bar of California

Attorney III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Distinguishing Characteristics The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the Attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more ...

State Bar of California

Attorney I/II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Distinguishing Characteristics The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more ...

MODOC COUNTY

Deputy District Attorney II

Alturas, CA · On-site

$78K - $121K/yr

The entry-level is assigned duties that will increase experience and expertise. With additional ... Deputy District Attorney II: The position is the second level and is assigned more complex cases ...

MODOC COUNTY

Deputy District Attorney III

Alturas, CA · On-site

$88K - $136K/yr

The entry-level is assigned duties that will increase experience and expertise. With additional ... Deputy District Attorney II: The position is the second level and is assigned more complex cases ...

MODOC COUNTY

Deputy District Attorney II

Alturas, CA · On-site

$78K - $121K/yr

The entry-level is assigned duties that will increase experience and expertise. With additional ... Deputy District Attorney II: The position is the second level and is assigned more complex cases ...

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All JobsAttorney JobsEntry Level Attorney JobsEntry Level Attorney Jobs in California

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 Aug 16, 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 is an entry level attorney?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

HYBRID - Entry Level Litigation Attorney

SagePaths

San Rafael, CA • Hybrid

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Entry-Level Litigation Attorney

Location: San Rafael, CA or Orange County, CA

About the Opportunity:
A highly regarded law firm with a strong reputation in the legal industry is seeking a Litigation Attorney to join their dynamic team. This position offers the chance to work on diverse litigation matters, representing clients such as secured creditors, investors, and property owners. The firm prides itself on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, making it an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to grow their career.

About You:
You are an ambitious attorney with a passion for litigation and a desire to grow your skills in a supportive and professional environment. You value teamwork, enjoy courtroom advocacy, and are committed to achieving excellent results for your clients.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Represent clients in general civil litigation and/or landlord-tenant disputes.
  • Handle all aspects of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, and trial preparation.
  • Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to deliver high-quality legal services.

What We’re Looking For:

  • At least 1 year of courtroom experience in civil litigation or landlord-tenant law.
  • Strong knowledge of California Civil Procedure.
  • A stable employment history and a passion for litigation.
  • A small book of business is a bonus but not required.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary in the range of $140,000 - $160,000 per year.
  • Pathway to becoming a non-equity partner over time.
  • Commission opportunities for work brought to the firm.
  • Comprehensive benefits package and a manageable workload to support work-life balance.
  • A team-oriented culture where collaboration and mutual support are valued.