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Entry Level Legal Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

South Carolina Realtors

Associate Counsel

Columbia, SC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The Associate Counsel provides foundational legal support to the State Association of Realtors, its ... This entry-level staff attorney position focuses heavily on managing the member Legal Hotline ...

MUFG

Legal Regulatory Advisor - Global Markets

New York, NY · Hybrid

$170K - $220K/yr

The Americas Legal Department is looking for a motivated entry-level to mid-level attorney to ... Liaise with external counsel and manage external counsel engagements to ensure efficient and cost ...

New

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

... entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing ... This role focuses on high-impact, records-based and other transparency-driven litigation and legal ...

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

... entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing ... This role focuses on high-impact, records-based and other transparency-driven litigation and legal ...

County of Imperial

Deputy County Counsel I-V

El Centro, CA · On-site

$7.3K - $13K/mo

... legal counsel to the County, its boards, commissions, department heads and officers; prepare ... The Deputy County Counsel I is the entry level and works under close supervision working on more ...

Kosmos

Attorney

Albuquerque, NM

$70K - $100K/yr

Our client a leading law firm is seeking an Entry Level Attorney to join them in Albuquerque. As an Attorney, you will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel and representation to clients ...

Kosmos

Attorney

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Our client a leading law firm is seeking an Entry Level Attorney to join them in Albuquerque. As an Attorney, you will play a crucial role in providing legal counsel and representation to clients ...

Quill and Arrow LLP

Legal Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel. Qualifications ... This is an excellent entry-level position with potential for career advancement! Job Type ...

Quill and Arrow LLP

Legal Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel. **Qualifications ... This is an excellent entry-level position with potential for career advancement! Job Type ...

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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 14, 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:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs are:
Entry Level Legal Counsel jobs near you
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.
Associate Counsel

Associate Counsel

South Carolina Realtors

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: Annual $70k - $90k

The Associate Counsel provides foundational legal support to the State Association of Realtors, its executive leadership, and its members. This entry-level staff attorney position focuses heavily on managing the member Legal Hotline, conducting legal research on emerging real estate trends, and reviewing standard forms. This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent law graduate looking to build an in-house career in real estate law, compliance, and trade association governance.

Reports To

Chief Legal Counsel / General Counsel

Key Responsibilities

  • Member Legal Hotline Management: Act as the primary point of contact for real estate agents and brokers across the state regarding standard legal inquiries, compliance, and transaction-related questions.
  • Standard Forms Review: Assist in maintaining, editing, and updating the associations Standard Forms Library to ensure compliance with changing state laws and National Association of Realtors (NAR) regulations.
  • Professional Standards Enforcement: Assist in administering the associations professional standards processes, including reviewing ethics complaints, coordinating arbitration filings, and advising grievance panels.
  • In-Person Forms & Ethics Training: Develop curriculum and travel statewide to deliver dynamic, in-person training sessions on proper contract form usage, legal risk reduction, and the NAR Code of Ethics.
  • Legal Research & Writing: Conduct thorough legal research on real estate litigation, environmental regulations, housing laws, and zoning ordinances. Draft articles and compliance updates for member outreach.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Licensure: Newly admitted to the State Bar, or awaiting bar exam results (contingent upon passing within a designated timeframe).
  • Experience: 02 years of experience; clinical experience or internships in real estate law, contract drafting, or corporate governance are a major plus.
  • Key Skills:
    • Public Speaking: Confident and engaging presentation skills for delivering in-person educational training to large groups of realtors.
    • Strong interpersonal skills with a "customer-service" mindset to interact patiently and professionally with members.
    • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proficiency in legal research tools (Westlaw).
    • Ability to translate complex statutory law and ethics rules into practical, everyday advice for non-attorney members.
    • Willingness to travel statewide for training presentations as required.


Equal Opportunity Employer SC REALTORS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. All employment decisions at SC REALTORSincluding hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and terminationare based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws in South Carolina.