2

Entry Level Juris Doctorate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

... 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Juris Doctorate information

See salary details

$62K

$138.4K

$204.5K

How much do entry level juris doctorate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level juris doctorate in the United States is $138,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a JD useful outside of law?

A Juris Doctorate (JD) is primarily a law degree designed for legal practice, but it can also be valuable in fields such as compliance, policy analysis, legal consulting, and business. The skills gained, like critical thinking, research, and understanding of legal systems, are applicable in various industries beyond traditional legal roles.

What can I do with my juris doctorate?

An entry-level Juris Doctorate qualifies individuals for various legal roles such as paralegal, legal assistant, or entry-level attorney positions. It also provides a foundation for careers in compliance, legal research, policy analysis, or legal consulting, often requiring passing the bar exam for licensed practice. Skills in research, writing, and critical thinking are essential in these roles.

Is a JD degree worth it?

A Juris Doctorate (JD) is a necessary qualification for practicing law and can lead to careers as attorneys, legal consultants, or in corporate legal departments. However, it involves significant time and financial investment, and job prospects depend on factors like specialization, location, and experience. Graduates should consider the job market and their career goals when evaluating its value.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Entry level lawyers typically earn lower salaries, but experienced lawyers in specialized fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, or trial law can earn high incomes, especially with a strong client base and reputation. Building a successful legal career often involves gaining experience, developing expertise, and working in high-paying firms or establishing a private practice with efficient billing and client management skills.

What are entry level juris doctorate jobs?

Entry level juris doctorate jobs are positions available to individuals who have recently earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, typically with little or no prior legal work experience. These roles may include positions such as junior associates at law firms, judicial law clerks, staff attorneys, compliance analysts, or legal fellows. Entry level JD jobs often involve conducting legal research, drafting documents, assisting senior attorneys, and gaining practical legal experience. These positions are designed to help new law graduates develop their legal skills and begin their professional careers.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can an entry-level Juris Doctorate expect in their first year at a law firm?

As an entry-level Juris Doctorate at a law firm, you can expect to be involved in a variety of foundational legal tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting memos and briefs, preparing discovery documents, and assisting with case preparation. You'll often work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys, collaborating closely with paralegals and legal assistants. This role provides valuable exposure to client meetings, court filings, and sometimes observing or supporting in court proceedings. The first year is a great opportunity to develop practical skills, build professional relationships, and gain a better understanding of different practice areas within the firm.

What is the difference between Entry Level Juris Doctorate vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level Juris DoctorateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor degree, bar exam eligibilityAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals, licensed to practice lawSupport legal work, not licensed to practice law
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level legal rolesLegal support roles, legal assistant positions

Entry Level Juris Doctorate holders are qualified to sit for the bar exam and practice law, whereas paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, documentation, and case preparation without being licensed to practice law. Both roles work within legal environments, but the Juris Doctorate is a prerequisite for becoming a licensed attorney, while paralegals support attorneys in their daily tasks.

More about Entry Level Juris Doctorate jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Juris Doctorate jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Juris Doctorate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Juris Doctorate jobs? The most popular types of Juris Doctorate jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Juris Doctorate jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Juris Doctorate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Juris Doctorate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Juris Doctorate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Juris Doctorate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,427 per year, or $66.6 per hour.

ASSISTANT CITY PROSECUTOR I / II

City of Bullhead, AZ

Bullhead City, AZ โ€ข On-site

$91K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Salary: $91,285.01 - $153,344.24 Annually
Location : 1255 Marina Boulevard, Bullhead City, AZ
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00557
Department: City Attorney
Division: Prosecution
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
STATEMENT OF THE JOB
STATEMENT OF THE JOB
The City is accepting applications for either an Assistant City Prosecutor I or Assistant City Prosecutor II. Placement within the classification and compensation range will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position.
Performs professional legal work and research in support of the City Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutes misdemeanor offenses and municipal code violations.
Assistant City Prosecutor I performs professional legal work and research under general guidance and supervision.
Assistant City Prosecutor II performs professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision and is expected to exercise a greater degree of independent judgment and handle more complex legal assignments.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must complete fifteen (15) hours of continuing legal education, including three (3) hours of ethics, annually. Must submit a resume plus two (2) writing samples from previous work or law school, along with the required City application. Samples may be redacted to protect confidential or private information.
Note: This position does not contribute to Social Security or the Arizona State Retirement System. Please refer to the Benefits Tab for more information.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant City Prosecutor I is the entry-level classification in the Assistant City Prosecutor series. Incumbents perform professional legal work and research under general guidance and supervision and are responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor offenses and municipal code violations.
Assistant City Prosecutor II is the experienced-level classification in the Assistant City Prosecutor series. Incumbents perform professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision and are responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor offenses and municipal code violations. Employees at this level are expected to exercise a greater degree of independent judgment and handle more complex legal assignments.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE/LICENSING & TRAINING
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE / LICENSING & TRAINING
Assistant City Prosecutor I
โ€ข Juris Doctorate degree.
โ€ข Member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona.
โ€ข Two (2) years of legal experience in the practice of law.
โ€ข Valid State Driver's License.
Assistant City Prosecutor II
โ€ข Juris Doctorate degree.
โ€ข Member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona.
โ€ข Seven (7) years of legal experience in the practice of law.
โ€ข Valid State Driver's License.
*Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certifications being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE/ LICENSING & TRAINING
Assistant City Prosecutor I
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate and Member of the State Bar of Arizona, plus two (2) years of working legal experience in the practice of law.
LICENSING & TRAINING: Valid State Driver's License.
Assistant City Prosecutor II
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate and Member of the State Bar of Arizona, plus seven (7) years of working legal experience in the practice of law.
LICENSING & TRAINING: Valid State Driver's License.
*Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
โ€ข Performs a variety of professional legal assignments and research.
โ€ข Performs criminal prosecutions for misdemeanors.
โ€ข Receives and reviews complaints, examines evidence, interviews witnesses, investigates crime scenes, and reviews police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted.
โ€ข Authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions and civil traffic and municipal code violations.
โ€ข Implements and honors applicable victims' rights.
โ€ข Provides legal advice relating to charging and investigation for City law enforcement agencies.
โ€ข Appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at trials and court proceedings.
โ€ข Analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for hearings on motions, stipulations, or waivers.
โ€ข Confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges.
โ€ข Negotiates case settlements; prepares plea agreements; provides briefings and oral arguments.
โ€ข Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
โ€ข Drafts jury instructions; presents opening statements.
โ€ข Interrogates and cross-examines witnesses.
โ€ข Argues points of law.
โ€ข Presents final arguments and summations.
โ€ข Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
โ€ข Works with local law enforcement agencies, the City's code enforcement and other City staff as applicable on cases; plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
โ€ข May draft and modify City criminal and civil violation ordinances when directed.
โ€ข Prosecutes civil forfeiture actions generally relating to drug crimes.
โ€ข May perform a variety of legal assignments for the City Prosecutor's Office.
โ€ข Provides exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
โ€ข Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
โ€ข Federal, State and City criminal codes, the municipal code, rules of procedure and constitutional law.
โ€ข Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
โ€ข Principles, practices and methods of legal research and sources of legal reference.
โ€ข Methods and practices of trial work.
ABILITY TO:
โ€ข Analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedent and identify the determinative aspects of cases and present them in a clear and logical order.
โ€ข Establish and maintain working relationships with employees, court officials, attorneys and the general public.
โ€ข Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and city officials.
โ€ข Maintain confidential and sensitive information.
โ€ข Carry out assigned projects to completion.
SKILL IN:
โ€ข Computer and computer software.
โ€ข Spelling and accurate grammar.
โ€ข Strong organizational skills.
โ€ข Interpersonal communication.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, and reach with hands and arms. This job also required visual acuity and the ability to adjust focus, the ability to read printed materials, and computer screens. Ability to hear and use professional speech to communicate in person, on the telephone, or via various communication media.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is moderate and is that of a busy office.
  • Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)
  • Dental/Vision
  • Wellness Program
  • Flexible Spending/Health Savings Account
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Optional Additional Life Insurance
  • Optional Additional Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • 12 Paid Holidays Annually
  • Paid Vacation (Accrual rate is dependent upon full time years of service)
  • Paid Personal Leave (96 Hours/Year)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Retirement Plan - 401A Defined Contribution Plan
    • Sworn Police Officers participate in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Contribution rates are determined by State Legislature
  • Optional Deferred Compensation
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Service Awards

01
A High School Diploma or GED is required for this position. Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes, I have a High School Diploma or GED.
  • No, I do not possess a High School Diploma or GED.

02
Which best describes your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Currently enrolled in High School
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher
  • Trade School/Technical College
  • None of the above

03
Please select the license you currently possess.
  • Valid State Driver's License
  • Commerical Driver's License
  • I do not currently possess a valid Driver's License.

04
This position has a minimum age requirement of 18 years of age. Are you 18 years or older?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you a current employee with the City of Bullhead City?
  • Yes
  • No

06
The preferred typing speed for this position is 50 WPM. Are you able to type 50 WPM?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please list your computer experience in detail and include any software programs/applications you have used or are familiar with. (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe, etc.) Be sure to include your level of proficiency with each (i.e. Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
08
Please describe your customer service experience with internal and external customers.
09
Please describe your specific education and experience as it relates to the Legal Field.
10
Please describe, in detail, your managerial experience. Be sure to include your full list of duties/responsibilities you had and how many employees you managed.
11
If you are bilingual, please describe the language you are fluent in, in the space provided. Fluent is defined as able to speak and express oneself articulately.
12
Please describe any experience you may have performing administrative duties in an office environment? If you do not have any experience, please write N/A.
13
Do you have possession of admission to the State Bar of Arizona?
  • Yes
  • No

14
I understand that all communication regarding this position will be sent via email and that it is my responsibility to monitor my email. Human Resources will not be responsible for unread emails.
  • I have read and acknowledge that all communication regarding this position will be sent to me via email.

Required Question