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Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Attorney

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Associate Attorney Title: Associate Attorney (2+ years) Location: Onsite - Schaumburg, IL ... Hybrid Flexibility after first 90 days * Discretionary Bonus * Merit and overall performance

Associate Attorney (Naperville) "At Sterling Lawyers, it's not like anyone is a lone wolf. We ... Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance, which are effective on the first day of the month ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

HeplerBroom LLC, a large defense firm, is currently seeking a licensed Associate Attorney with 2+ ... Attractive base salary reviewed annually, associate bonus program, and year-end bonus recognizing ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

HeplerBroom LLC, a large defense firm, is currently seeking a licensed Associate Attorney with 2+ ... Attractive base salary reviewed annually, associate bonus program, and year-end bonus recognizing ...

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Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$111.4K

$177.7K

How much do entry level first year associate attorney 2025 jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level first year associate attorney 2025 in Chicago, IL is $111,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $133,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is typically required. Outstanding time management, attention to detail, and effective communication make new associates stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently managing caseloads, producing high-quality work, and contributing value to clients and the firm.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney expect during their first year at a law firm?

As an Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from legal research and drafting memos to assisting with discovery, preparing briefs, and supporting senior attorneys in client meetings or court proceedings. The first year typically involves a steep learning curve as you become familiar with firm protocols, case management systems, and the substantive areas of law your firm practices. You’ll likely collaborate closely with more experienced attorneys and paralegals, gaining exposure to different practice groups and clients. This collaborative environment provides a strong foundation for professional growth and helps you develop essential legal skills that will be valuable throughout your career.

What is an Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney?

An Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney is a recent law school graduate who has passed the bar exam and is beginning their legal career at a law firm. These attorneys typically work under the supervision of more experienced lawyers, assisting with legal research, drafting documents, and supporting litigation or transactional matters. Their role is to learn practical lawyering skills, develop expertise in specific legal areas, and contribute to the firm's work on behalf of its clients.

What is the difference between Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 vs Junior Associate Attorney?

AspectEntry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025Junior Associate Attorney
Required CredentialsJD degree, bar admissionJD degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, corporate legal departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in law firms and legal departments for new hiresSimilar usage, often interchangeable in job listings

The Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 and Junior Associate Attorney roles are similar in credentials, work environment, and industry usage. Both are entry-level legal positions requiring a JD and bar admission, typically working in law firms or corporate legal teams. The main difference lies in the specific job titles used by employers, but they generally refer to the same early-career legal role.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level First Year Associate Attorney 2025 jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Associate Attorney

Blitt and Gaines

Naperville, IL • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Entry Level Associate Attorney
About Blitt and Gaines, P.C.
BG is an industry-leading debt collection law firm that has been in business for over 30 years. Our Firm has 47 attorneys and 250 support staff throughout 9 offices in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. We are proud to represent most of the nation's largest financial institutions as clients.
Job Summary:
The Associate Attorney position will gain a great deal of courtroom experience by regularly appearing for BG in court. Further, this position is responsible for the review of new claims and pleadings in addition to managing a contested litigation queue. Each associate will gain substantial knowledge of all court procedures, the litigation process, internal controls and client and firm policies and procedures. This position has no billable hour requirements.
Essential Duties:
  • Appear in court for the firm a minimum of 3 days per week.
  • Review new claims placed with the firm to ensure compliance.
  • Review of and signing off on all pleadings printed for filing with the courts such as complaints and motions.
  • Occasionally drafting of various motions and responses to contested matters
  • Argue motions that are contested before the court as well as conduct trials and arbitrations.
  • Will manage both telephonic and written contact with opposing counsel.
  • Prepare and respond to discovery or oversee counterclaims in which BG or client are named

Education and Experience:
• Juris Doctorate and admittance to Illinois Bar. (Additional licenses in BG states is valuable)
Computer Skills:
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
• Collection Master or equivalent case file management system experience preferred
Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff, judges, opposing counsel, and circuit court clerks. Ability to use tact, discretion and courtesy when dealing with court officials, opposing counsel, step up attorneys, and in-house attorneys.
Accountability:
Ability to work independently and make responsible decisions. Must be able to maintain timelines, meet deadlines, keep accurate records and be detail-oriented.
Salary Description
75,000-85,000