2

Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Attorney information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Rochester, NY is $106,746.00, 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 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,746 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Assistant District Attorney Grade II

Assistant District Attorney Grade II

Monroe County, NY

Rochester, NY • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Monroe County (New York) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 645 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Location: Rochester, NY
Title: Assistant District Attorney Grade II
Deadline: Until Filled
Salary: $77,576 - $105,018 annually
Agency/Dept.: District Attorney's Office
Description of Duties
This is an entry level legal position in the office of the District Attorney involving responsibility for the prosecution of misdemeanors. This position will handle a full caseload of criminal matters including arraignments, investigations and legal research, review and collection of all discoverable materials, pretrial motion preparation and argument, hearings and trials, in proceedings of the State, county and local courts throughout Monroe County. Employees of this class may be assigned felony prosecutions as necessary. The work is performed under the general supervision of a Bureau Chief and Deputy Bureau Chief. Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class. Does related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
  1. The Assistant District Attorney shall be an attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of New York and admitted to practice in all courts.
  2. The Assistant District Attorney must have an ability to work with the judges, lawyers, court administrators, other persons within the court system, and court officials.