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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Montclair, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Rosenblum Law

Associate Attorney- Entry Level

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$250K/yr

This role is perfect for entry-level attorneys (yes, no prior estate planning experience required ) who love working with people, enjoy being in the spotlight, and want to turn communication skills ...

NMIC

Supervising Housing Attorney

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

Second seat entry level attorneys at motions and trials. * Troubleshoot case issues in housing court. * Mentor attorneys to support their professional development. * Lead group attorney meetings (on ...

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Entry Level Attorney information

See Montclair, NJ salary details

$46.9K

$110.2K

$175.8K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Montclair, NJ is $110,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $132,500.00 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 Montclair, NJ?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Montclair, NJ are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in Montclair, NJ?

For Entry Level Attorney jobs in Montclair, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Montclair, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Montclair, NJ are:

What cities near Montclair, NJ are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs?

Cities near Montclair, NJ with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:

Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Montclair, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,218 per year, or $53 per hour.

Entry Level Attorney, CDP, September 2027

Brooklyn Defender Services

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Represent clients in Brooklyn Criminal and Supreme Courts from intake through dismissal, plea, or trial.

  • Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials, including preparing and arguing motions and responding to legal motions filed by the District Attorney's office.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and meet regularly with supervisors to review caseloads, discuss case strategies, and prepare for trial.

Job description

Entry Level Attorney, Criminal Defense Practice, September 2027, Brooklyn Office

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking Entry Level Attorneys to join the Criminal Defense Practice in the Brooklyn Office in September 2027.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.  

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities. 

BDS’ Criminal Defense Practice zealously defends people who are accused of a crime in Brooklyn, fighting to protect the individual rights of clients’ and minimize harm from involvement with the criminal legal system. BDS’ staff consists of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to bring about the best outcome for each client.

Under the supervision of a Supervising Attorney, attorneys directly represent clients who have been arrested and face criminal charges. BDS provides a comprehensive training program for entry-level attorneys. This is followed by a period of time where they handle misdemeanor cases with supervision and then gradually move on to handling more serious cases.

Responsibilities

  • Directly represent clients in Brooklyn Criminal and Supreme Courts from intake through dismissal, plea or trial.
  • Foster strong attorney/client relationships.
  • Work collaboratively on interdisciplinary case teams with social workers, investigators, paralegals and admins.
  • Participate in a rotation to staff court arraignment shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Prepare for and litigate hearings and trials in Criminal and Supreme Courts, as well as collateral administrative tribunals.
  • Prepare and argue written motions, argue in court regarding discovery, answer legal motions filed by the District Attorney’s office and other legal written and oral arguments in cases assigned to the attorney.
  • Collaborate with other BDS staff from our housing, immigration, family defense and education practices to provide comprehensive assistance to clients.
  • Meet regularly with supervisor to review caseload, discuss case strategy, and prepare for trial.
  • Be an advisor to the client when decisions are made about the case.
  • Meet with family members or other support networks as client requests.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2027, ideally with trial advocacy, evidence, ethics, criminal law and criminal procedure courses.
  • Have taken the first available bar exam in NY after graduation.
  • Experience in a law school clinical program or a public defense internship involving client representation is preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to serving the public interest, as expressed by coursework, internships and extra-curricular activities.
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the practice and throughout BDS.
  • Excellent litigation skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fluency in a second language is a plus. 


Position Information

This is an exempt, salaried position. The position is based at BDS’s offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. The salary for a 2027 law school graduate is $99,910. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions 

Click "Apply" to submit a cover letter and resume via our online application portal. Please submit your application by December 31, 2026. 

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director of Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org