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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

This position performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of senior attorneys and may assist in cases of routine to moderate complexity. Candidates must possess a Juris ...

Entry Level Attorney information

See Athens, GA salary details

$44.4K

$104.4K

$166.6K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Athens, GA is $104,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $125,500.00 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 Athens, GA? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Athens, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Athens, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Athens, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 43% In-person, and 57% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,438 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender 1

Georgia

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Assistant Public Defender 1

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000000884

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$72,000.00

Job Description:

The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified and dedicated applicant for the position ofAssistant Public Defender I. The Circuit serves Clarke and Oconee Counties. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position. The primary responsibilities include assisting and/or handling indigent clients' representation with criminal cases in Superior Court. Proven commitment to indigent defense is preferred. Applicants must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Interested applicants should apply onhttps://careers.georgia.gov/ and submit a cover letter and resume to John Donnelly, Circuit Public Defender, atjdonnelly@gapublicdefender.org.

Description of Duties:The Assistant Public Defender I provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal and related proceedings. This position performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of senior attorneys and may assist in cases of routine to moderate complexity. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in the State of Georgia. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring OR reciprocity (must obtain Law License). Note: Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.