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First Year Associate Attorney Jobs in Houston, TX

We are also open to first year attorneys! Newly Texas barred attorneys are welcomed to apply! This is a hybrid position, located in our Houston or Dallas, TX office. The associate should be admitted ...

We are also open to first year attorneys! Newly Texas barred attorneys are welcomed to apply! This is a hybrid position, located in our Houston or Dallas, TX office. The associate should be admitted ...

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Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Associate Attorney -- Trial Litigation Doyle Dennis Avery LLP | Houston, Texas About the Firm Doyle ... Eligibility for a year-end bonus * Health, dental, vision, and life insurance * Health Savings ...

Associate Attorney

Galveston, TX · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Job Summary: We are seeking a dedicated Associate Attorney ... Growing plaintiff law firm specializing in first party insurance claims (property damage from ...

Tax Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$310K - $435K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Tax Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm's Houston ... The role may also be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus. Additional Information Attorneys ...

Oath Law & Oath Planning - Estate and Financial Planning Oath is hiring for an Associate Attorney ... one year * A culture-driven team where collaboration, respect, and shared purpose come first Who ...

New

Associate Attorney: Hands-on Mentorship, boutique defense firm! This Jobot Job is hosted by ... Salary: $120,000 - $160,000 per year A bit about us: ----- We're a Houston-based civil litigation ...

Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$130K - $160K/yr

Associate Attorney: Hands-on Mentorship, Hybrid, Excellent Bonus, 401K, Defense Litigation! This ... Salary: $130,000 - $160,000 per year A bit about us: ----- This role reports to one of the named ...

Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$100K - $145K/yr

... the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4-5% * Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm) $100-$200/month

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Showing results 1-20

First Year Associate Attorney information

See Houston, TX salary details

$43.9K

$103.2K

$164.7K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year associate attorney in Houston, TX is $103,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $124,100.00 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 Houston, TX are hiring for First Year Associate Attorney jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most First Year Associate Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various First Year Associate Attorney job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,290 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Lydecker LLP

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

Position: Associate Attorney
Location: Houston or Dallas, TX – Hybrid
Position Overview: 
Lydecker is seeking an associate attorney with at least 2 years of experience. We are also open to first year attorneys! Newly Texas barred attorneys are welcomed to apply! This is a hybrid position, located in our Houston or Dallas, TX office. The associate should be admitted to practice in TX. Under the supervision of a partner, the associate will be handling a variety of cases, including the defense of construction defect and general liability.  If you possess a strong work ethic and want to work in our defense litigation practice group in Texas this may be the opportunity for you!  
Job Requirements:

  • This position requires a TX bar license in good standing.
  • A minimum of JD from an ABA approved law school 
  • A minimum of 2 years of civil defense litigation experience, preferably in construction defect, general liability, bodily injury, premises liability, or products liability.
  • Previous experience should include working on up to 15+ cases at once, attending and defending depositions, taking depositions, appearance in court, motion and discovery drafting; mediation and trial experience a plus but not required
  • Computer skills: Has basic knowledge of computer operation, internet software, spreadsheet software and word processing software; the use of Microsoft products is preferred. Has the ability to type and operate office equipment. 
  • Be self-motivated and a self-starter, work well independently, and possess strong client communication skills
  • Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings when required
  • Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information
  • Ethics: Keeps client and firm information confidential at all times; understands and implements general rules of ethical behavior applicable to lawyers

Job Responsibilities:

  • Must be willing and able to bill
  • Draft/review and respond to petitions/complaints, motions, and written discovery 
  • Attend hearings and meetings with clients when requested
  • Prepare for and attend depositions
  • Assist with preparation for mediations and trials

What We Offer:

  • One-on-one mentorship and training by Partners 
  • Salary range depending on depth and years of experience 
  • Quarterly bonuses based on your billable hours
  • Annual performance reviews with potential for sizeable increase in salary
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Flexible work hours 
  • Medical Insurance – Currently provided by Cigna Healthcare with multiple insurance plans to choose from based on your needs – partially paid for by Firm for the employee; All outpatient mental health services are free of charge with no copays
  • Optional Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Optional Voluntary Life and Disability Insurance
  • Optional Voluntary Accident Insurance 
  • Optional Critical Illness Insurance 
  • Optional Cancer Insurance 
  • Optional Hospitalization Insurance 
  • Optional Health Savings Account
  • Optional Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k after one calendar year of employment 
  • Paid time off (PTO) to support your overall well-being
  • Collegial work environment

About Lydecker:
Lydecker is an AV-rated full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys Nationwide! Our firm has earned a strong and positive reputation for its tenacious defense and protection of the best interests of its clients, and for obtaining optimal results. Our long-standing relationships with our clients are grounded in mutual trust and an understanding of each client’s needs and goals.
Vision:
Our vision at Lydecker is to be a trusted partner that redefines excellence in legal services. We envision a future where our innovative approach to client service sets new standards in the legal industry. With a relentless commitment to integrity, collaboration, and excellence, we aspire to be the first choice for clients seeking unparalleled solutions and results. Together, we will shape the future of legal practice, empowering individuals and clients to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Mission Statement:
At Lydecker, our mission is simple: to exceed client expectations with efficient, strategic, and collaborative service. We are dedicated to long-term success for our clients, attorneys, and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
Company Values:
1. Excellence: At Lydecker, we are committed to excellence in all that we do. We strive for the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and innovation in delivering legal services. Our dedication to excellence drives us to continually improve, adapt, and exceed expectations.
2. Integrity: Integrity is the cornerstone of our relationships, both internally and with our clients. We conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior always. Trust is paramount, and we uphold the highest standards of integrity in every interaction, decision, and action we take.
3. Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve greater success. At Lydecker, we foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and support among our attorneys and staff. By working together seamlessly, leveraging diverse perspectives, and sharing knowledge, we maximize our collective talents to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
4. Care: We take care of our people because we genuinely care about each one of them, and we believe that by fostering a culture of care, we can create a more resilient, supportive, and successful organization for all. We show that we care about our employees through employee well-being, professional growth and development, work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.
Why Join Lydecker?  We are a growing national litigation firm built on the traditional values of hard work and taking care of our clients.
Diverse and Inclusive Ownership & Administrative Leadership. We take pride in having a significant portion of our attorneys and administrative leadership being a part of diverse groups. Many of our Firm's Shareholders and Administrative Leadership Team self-identify as historically underrepresented groups such as people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and/or LGBTQIA+.
Career Advancement Prospects. We are sprinting toward growth and invite you to sprint alongside us! Experience swift career progression, hands-on litigation learning, and abundant opportunities for professional development with mentoring from more senior attorneys in small, collaborative practice groups.
Flexible Work-Life Integration. We value your need to have a flexible schedule and work from home and hybrid work opportunities. Enjoy work life balance at our firm.
Extensive Perks. Competitive salaries, quarterly bonus opportunities based on billable hours, paid time off, top-notch medical insurance with no copay for outpatient mental health access, paid parking or commuter benefits, and a robust 401k plan.
To learn more about Lydecker LLP, please visit our website at www.Lydecker.com or visit LinkedIn #LydeckerCareers #LydeckerLife #LydeckerAuthenticDiversity
Lydecker LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Lydecker is not currently accepting resumes or inquiries from outside recruiters or agencies.##