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Entry Level Legal Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Assistant (paralegal)

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Ability to train entry-level and mid-level Legal assistants. * Ability to communicate recommendations and best-practice suggestions to Partners, Special Counsel and Associates. * Positive, can-do ...

Legal Assistant (paralegal)

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Ability to train entry-level and mid-level Legal assistants. * Ability to communicate recommendations and best-practice suggestions to Partners, Special Counsel and Associates. * Positive, can-do ...

Legal Assistant (paralegal)

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Ability to train entry-level and mid-level Legal assistants. * Ability to communicate recommendations and best-practice suggestions to Partners, Special Counsel and Associates. * Positive, can-do ...

General Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Provides legal counsel and advice to Legislators and legislative committees on the less complex ...

... Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Provides legal counsel and advice to Legislators and legislative committees on the less complex ...

... Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Provides legal counsel and advice to Legislators and legislative committees on the less complex ...

Continuous General Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of ... Provides legal counsel and advice to Legislators and legislative committees on the less complex ...

... Summary This is entry level legal work in the examination and preparation of legislation ... Provides legal counsel and advice to Legislators and legislative committees on the less complex ...

As an Attorney, you will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel and representation to ... As an Entry Level Attorney you will be an integral part of our legal team, working on diverse ...

Attorney - Entry Level

Santa Fe, NM ยท On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

As an Attorney, you will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel and representation to ... As an Entry Level Attorney you will be an integral part of our legal team, working on diverse ...

Attorney - Entry Level

Roswell, NM ยท On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

As an Attorney, you will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel and representation to ... As an Entry Level Attorney you will be an integral part of our legal team, working on diverse ...

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Entry Level Legal Counsel information

See salary details

$34.5K

$144K

$210.5K

How much do entry level legal counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level legal counsel in the United States is $144,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $172,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Entry level legal counsels typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high earnings usually come with extensive experience, specialization in lucrative areas like corporate law or intellectual property, and working at large firms or in senior roles. Building a strong reputation, developing specialized skills, and gaining experience over several years are essential steps toward higher compensation in the legal field.

What is the 80 20 rule for lawyers?

The 80/20 rule for lawyers suggests that roughly 80% of a legal practice's results come from 20% of its efforts or clients. Entry level legal counsel can apply this by focusing on high-value cases or tasks that yield the most significant outcomes, improving efficiency and effectiveness in their work.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Entry level legal counsel positions typically do not pay $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually reserved for experienced attorneys in specialized or senior roles, often within large firms or corporate legal departments. Most entry level roles offer salaries significantly below that figure, with compensation increasing with experience, skills, and location.

What types of cases or matters might an entry level legal counsel typically handle in their first year?

As an entry level legal counsel, you'll often start by assisting with research, drafting contracts, reviewing legal documents, and supporting more senior attorneys with case preparation. You may work on a variety of matters such as compliance reviews, employment issues, intellectual property filings, or corporate governance tasks, depending on the organization's industry. This exposure provides a foundation in legal processes and helps you develop critical skills while gradually introducing you to more complex responsibilities. Collaboration with other departments, such as HR or finance, is common and helps you understand the broader business context.

What is the difference between Entry Level Legal Counsel vs Legal Intern?

AspectEntry Level Legal CounselLegal Intern
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission (if applicable)Enrolled in law school or recent graduate
Work EnvironmentFull-time, permanent position within a legal teamTemporary, part-time or summer position, often unpaid or low-paid
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, corporations, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, government offices
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Legal Counsel is a full-time, permanent role requiring a JD and bar admission, focusing on legal advice and contract review. Legal Interns are typically law students or recent grads in temporary positions, gaining experience. The main difference lies in job stability, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For an entry-level legal counsel, earning $900 an hour is significantly above typical rates, which usually range from $100 to $300 per hour depending on the region and firm size. Such high rates are more common for experienced or specialized attorneys rather than entry-level positions, which often pay lower hourly fees or salaries. Skills, certifications, and the complexity of legal work influence billing rates in the legal field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Legal Counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Legal Counsel, you need a law degree, strong research and analytical skills, and admission to the bar in your practicing jurisdiction. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in drafting legal documents are typically required. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for providing accurate legal advice, ensuring compliance, and building trust with clients and colleagues.

What does an entry level legal counsel do?

An entry level legal counsel assists an organization or law firm by providing legal support, conducting legal research, drafting documents, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. They may help review contracts, support senior attorneys, and communicate with clients or internal teams about legal issues. Their work is often supervised, and they gain hands-on experience while developing their legal skills and knowledge. Entry level legal counsels are essential in helping organizations navigate the legal landscape and mitigate risks.
More about Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Legal Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Legal Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Legal Counsel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,018 per year, or $69.2 per hour.
Legal Assistant (Entry Level)

Legal Assistant (Entry Level)

JBA International

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

A fast-growing law firm in Los Angeles is seeking an entry level legal assistant to join their team. The firm specializes in the defense and counseling of businesses, insurers, professionals, and public entities. Our extensive experience in civil litigation, trials, and alternative dispute resolution, as well as our state-of-the-art research technology, enable us to provide practical and economical solutions tailored to the needs of each individual client reflective of decades of litigation experience. The ideal candidate will be able to assist other legal assistants in their duties (willing to train).
Qualifications:
  • Good phone skills are required
  • Prior experience finalizing and filing pleadings with the court
  • Finalizing and serving other legal documents

Includes full benefits and a great work/life balance.