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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

VA

$80K/yr

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney - Entry Level Location: Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Schedule: Full-time | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Starting Salary: $80,000 (effective July 1, 2026 ...

Paralegal

Woodbridge, VA

$25.44 - $48.52/hr

... Attorney's Office Experience with State and Federal litigation processes. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Hiring Salary Range: $25.44 - $36.98 Hourly Please note, this is an entry level ...

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Entry Level Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$45.6K

$107.2K

$171K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Virginia is $107,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $128,900.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $107,232 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Labor And Employment Attorney Richmond, VA

Sociable Society Talent

Richmond, VA

$180K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description


Position: Labor & Employment Attorney


Sign-on bonus: $20,000


Compensation range: $180,000-$300,000






Rapidly growing management-side labor and employment law firm seeks a highly motivated Labor & Employment Attorney to support and expand its nationwide private-sector practice. This opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurial attorneys who want substantial responsibility, direct client exposure, meaningful courtroom experience, and the ability to independently manage sophisticated matters rather than operate within a heavily layered institutional environment.



The firm represents employers across a broad range of industries in complex labor relations, employment litigation, workplace investigations, compliance counseling, and strategic business advisory matters. Attorneys will work directly with leadership and clients on high-impact legal issues involving federal, state, and administrative employment laws.

This position offers a unique opportunity for both experienced labor and employment attorneys seeking elevated responsibility and long-term growth, as well as exceptional early-career attorneys with strong litigation aptitude, academic credentials, and a demonstrated interest in management-side employment law.


Responsibilities Include:

• Defending employers in federal and state employment litigation matters involving claims arising under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, and related state and local employment statutes.

• Handling traditional labor law matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, union avoidance strategies, unfair labor practice proceedings, and NLRB matters.

• Conducting and defending depositions, managing written discovery, drafting dispositive motions, and preparing cases for arbitration, mediation, and trial.

• Drafting EEOC and administrative agency position statements, arbitration briefs, employment agreements, workplace policies, and compliance-related documentation.

• Advising employers on employee relations matters, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, reductions in force, wage and hour compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Managing client relationships and serving as a strategic advisor to business owners, executives, and HR leadership teams.


Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

• Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 2–12+ years of labor and employment law experience, preferably on the management side, though exceptional entry-level attorneys with strong academic credentials, law review, clerkship, litigation, or employment law internship experience are encouraged to apply.



• Demonstrated legal writing, analytical, advocacy, and oral communication skills.

• Experience or familiarity with employment litigation, labor relations, administrative proceedings, or workplace counseling matters preferred.

• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial legal environment.

• Deposition, hearing, arbitration, mediation, and federal court experience is highly valued for more senior candidates.

• Industry experience involving healthcare, hospitality, transportation, aviation, manufacturing, construction, or multi-state employers is a plus.

• Willingness to travel periodically for hearings, arbitrations, litigation, and client matters.


Compensation & Opportunity:

• Compensation structure designed to be highly competitive with major metropolitan labor and employment markets, with total compensation potential ranging from approximately $180,000–$280,000+ depending on experience, business development capabilities, litigation background, and overall qualifications.

• Opportunity for substantial hands-on litigation experience, direct mentorship, accelerated career growth, and long-term leadership potential within a growing practice.

• Ideal environment for attorneys seeking greater autonomy, meaningful client interaction, and sophisticated legal work without the bureaucracy of a large institutional firm.