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First Year Associate Attorney Jobs in Boston, MA

MassNAELA

Associate Attorney

Lowell, MA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Low billable hour requirement of 1220-1440 per year; promoting work/life balance * Employer paid ... Job Summary The associate attorney will be responsible for their own caseload and providing support ...

Staffing Studio

Litigation Associate Attorney

Salem, MA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Minimum 3+ years Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 / year (Commensurate with experience ... Prepare cases for trial, develop courtroom strategies, and secondary or first-chair trials as ...

Staffing Studio

Litigation Associate Attorney

Salem, MA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Minimum 3+ years Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 / year (Commensurate with experience ... Prepare cases for trial, develop courtroom strategies, and secondary or first-chair trials as ...

Direct Counsel

Corporate Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$190K - $210K/yr

Corporate Associate Attorney Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join a ... This is an excellent opportunity for a 2-4 year corporate associate to join a growing transactional ...

Staffing Studio

Litigation Associate Attorney

Salem, MA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Minimum 3+ years Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 / year (Commensurate with experience ... Prepare cases for trial, develop courtroom strategies, and secondary or first-chair trials as ...

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

$240K - $420K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law firm ... Compensation Salary Range: $240,000-$420,000 , depending on class year, experience, qualifications ...

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

$310K - $390K/yr

Real Estate Associate Attorney Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate Attorney with 4-6 ... class year, experience, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may include a ...

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All JobsFirst Year Associate Attorney JobsFirst Year Associate Attorney Jobs in Boston, MA

First Year Associate Attorney information

See Boston, MA salary details

$50.1K

$117.8K

$187.9K

How much do first year associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year associate attorney in Boston, MA is $117,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first year associate attorney?

A First Year Associate Attorney is a newly hired lawyer at a law firm, typically in their first year of practicing law after graduating from law school and passing the bar exam. These associates work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys, assisting with legal research, drafting documents, and supporting case preparation. Their primary focus is on learning firm procedures, building foundational legal skills, and gaining practical experience in their chosen area of law. The position is usually the entry-level role for attorneys at most law firms.

What are some common challenges faced by first year associate attorneys, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

First Year Associate Attorneys often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple assignments, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to the firm's expectations for quality and accuracy. Effective time management and clear communication with supervising attorneys are essential skills to develop early on. It's helpful to proactively seek feedback, ask questions to clarify tasks, and use organizational tools to prioritize work. Building strong relationships with peers and mentors can also provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate the demands of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year associate attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research and writing skills, and a solid understanding of core legal concepts. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience with case management systems are typically required. Excellent communication, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage time efficiently are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective client service, high-quality legal work, and successful collaboration within a fast-paced law firm environment.

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for First Year Associate Attorney jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most First Year Associate Attorney job openings:

First Year Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Associate Attorney job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,505 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Corporate Associate Attorney Public Companies & Securities

Direct Counsel

Boston, MA • Hybrid

$180K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Corporate Associate Attorney – Public Companies & Securities

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join the Public Companies & Securities practice of a sophisticated East Coast–based law firm.

This is an excellent opportunity for a 3–4 year associate with experience advising public companies on securities, disclosure, governance, and transactional matters. The role offers meaningful exposure to SEC compliance, capital markets work, corporate governance, and strategic transactions within a highly collaborative and sophisticated team environment.

Locations 

Boston, Massachusetts
Parsippany, New Jersey

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 3–4 years of corporate, securities, and transactional experience, with demonstrated experience—or a strong interest—in representing public company clients.

This role is ideal for an attorney looking to deepen a practice focused on:

  • Public company disclosure obligations
  • SEC reporting and compliance
  • Capital markets offerings
  • Corporate governance
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • General corporate transactional matters

The firm offers a hybrid schedule with two remote days per week.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise public companies on ongoing disclosure and reporting obligations
  • Draft and review:
    • SEC filings
    • Periodic reports
    • Proxy materials
    • Disclosure documentation
  • Support capital markets transactions and securities offerings
  • Counsel boards and management teams on corporate governance matters
  • Assist with M&A and strategic corporate transactions
  • Provide day-to-day corporate and securities counseling
  • Conduct legal research and sophisticated transactional analysis
  • Manage deal timelines, filings, and client deliverables
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • 3–4 years of corporate, securities, and transactional experience
  • Demonstrated experience working with:
    • Public companies
    • SEC compliance and reporting
    • Securities matters
    • Corporate governance
    • Capital markets
    • M&A transactions
  • Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
  • Strong technical drafting and client service capabilities
  • Proven ability to manage sophisticated matters efficiently
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Bar admission in good standing in the applicable jurisdiction required
Compensation

New Jersey salary range: $180,000 – $210,000

Compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, office location, and overall fit.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will be:

  • Interested in building a sophisticated public company advisory practice
  • A strong drafter with excellent disclosure judgment
  • Comfortable working directly with management teams and boards
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Able to manage fast-moving deadlines tied to reporting cycles and transactions
  • Collaborative and growth-oriented
Why This Opportunity

This is a strong opportunity for a mid-level corporate associate seeking meaningful public company and securities work in a collaborative environment with excellent mentorship. The role offers a compelling mix of SEC, governance, capital markets, and M&A exposure, making it highly attractive for associates looking to build a well-rounded corporate securities practice.