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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Attorney/Lawyer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

This client is open to seeing candidates at all levels, including entry-level attorneys and senior attorneys. Responsibilities: * Represent clients in litigation matters involving employment disputes ...

City of Hayward, CA

Deputy City Attorney I

Hayward, CA · On-site

$151K - $183K/yr

Deputy City Attorney I - This is an entry level class in the Attorney series. Positions in this classification perform less difficult tasks and receive on-the-job training in the performance of more ...

City of Hayward

Deputy City Attorney I

Hayward, CA · On-site

$151K - $183K/yr

Deputy City Attorney I - This is an entry level class in the Attorney series. Positions in this classification perform less difficult tasks and receive on-the-job training in the performance of more ...

Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP

Paralegal

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$6.0K - $7.0K/mo

ENTRY LEVEL PARALEGAL Cotchett, Pitre, & McCarthy seeks entry level paralegal for its Burlingame ... Excited to work well with diverse teams of attorneys and staff, and also comfortable working ...

New

Latham & Watkins LLP

Legal Secretary

Redwood City, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

Monitoring lawyer time entries for compliance with firm standards, while proactively editing ... S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #LI-MN1 #WayUp Pay RangeUSD $85,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Legal Secretary

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Monitoring lawyer time entries for compliance with firm standards, while proactively editing ... S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #LI-MN1 #WayUp Pay Range USD $85,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Legal Secretary

Redwood City, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

The Legal Secretary is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team. This role will be ... S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #LI-MN1 #WayUp USD $85,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Legal Secretary

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

About the Role The Attorney Support PROS Specialist is an integral part of Latham's Attorney ... S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #WayUp #LI-KC2 Pay Range USD $80,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Legal Secretary

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

The Attorney Support PROS Specialist is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team. This ... S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #WayUp #LI-KC2 USD $80,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Legal Secretary

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

About the Role The Attorney Support PROS Specialist is an integral part of Latham's Attorney ... S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #WayUp #LI-KC2 Pay RangeUSD $80,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

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All JobsAttorney JobsEntry Level Attorney JobsEntry Level Attorney Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Entry Level Attorney information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$56.3K

$132.4K

$211.2K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Berkeley, CA is $132,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $159,200.00 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 Berkeley, CA?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in Berkeley, CA?

For Entry Level Attorney jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Berkeley, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:

Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,435 per year, or $63.7 per hour.

Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney

Virtuoso Criminal And Dui Lawyers P

Hayward, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Virtuoso Criminal & DUI Lawyers | Northern California

Virtuoso Criminal & DUI Lawyers is a premier criminal defense firm serving Northern California. We are currently seeking a highly motivated, entry-level attorney to join our growing litigation team.
Unlike traditional associate positions that limit early-career attorneys to document review, this role is designed for those seeking immediate, hands-on courtroom experience. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our clients' lives from day one, working closely with seasoned trial attorneys to develop the skills necessary to become a highly effective criminal defense litigator.
Role & Responsibilities

  • Courtroom Advocacy: Regularly appear in court to represent clients in arraignments, evidentiary hearings, and motions.
  • Comprehensive Defense: Provide dedicated representation for clients facing a diverse range of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to complex felonies.
  • Case Strategy & Drafting: Conduct thorough legal research, draft persuasive motions and pleadings, and collaborate with senior attorneys to formulate robust defense strategies.
  • Client Counsel: Maintain clear, professional communication with clients, ensuring they are fully informed, supported, and counseled throughout the legal process.
  • Strategic Negotiation: Engage professionally with prosecutors to negotiate plea agreements, dismissals, and the most favorable possible resolutions for our clients.
Qualifications

  • Licensure: Active membership in the State Bar of California (candidates currently awaiting Bar exam results with strong academic credentials will also be considered).
  • Demonstrated Interest: A sincere commitment to criminal defense, constitutional rights, and trial advocacy.
  • Professional Demeanor: Excellent oral and written communication skills, combined with a confident and composed courtroom presence.
  • Organizational Excellence: The ability to effectively manage a dynamic caseload, prioritize time-sensitive tasks, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
  • Language Skills: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is highly preferred, though not strictly required.
Why Join Our Firm

  • Comprehensive Mentorship: Receive direct, ongoing guidance from experienced trial attorneys who are invested in your professional development and success.
  • Accelerated Experience: Gain substantial, practical litigation experience quickly through exposure to a diverse and active caseload.
  • Merit-Based Advancement: We foster a culture that recognizes and rewards excellent legal work, offering clear pathways for long-term career progression.
  • Collaborative Environment: Join a supportive, highly professional team committed to achieving exceptional legal outcomes and providing superior client service.
Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive Base Salary (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)
  • Performance-Based Bonus Structure

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) * Ongoing Professional Development and continuing legal education support