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First Year Associate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paths Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Lees Summit, MO

This position is ideal for a new or early-career attorney seeking more than a narrow first-year associate role. The right candidate will receive training and mentorship while gaining early experience ...

Wegman

Litigation Associate Attorney

Abilene, TX

Associate Attorney - LITIGATION Law firm is looking to bring on an experienced (2 to 5 year) associate attorney , lateral hire to assist in litigation. Real estate, banking, collection, construction ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Associate Attorney

Orange, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Associate Attorney

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Be Seen First

Associate Attorney

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Associate Attorney

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Be Seen First

Associate Attorney

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Associate Attorney

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Wegman Partners

Associate Attorney

Hempstead, NY · On-site

Our client, a Nassau County based litigation law firms seeks a 1 to 4 year associate attorney with litigation experience to join their construction litigation practice. Firm handles construction and ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Attorney

Orange, CA · On-site

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Attorney

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Attorney

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Attorney

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Attorney

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Collins + Collins LLP

Attorney

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Collins + Collins (C+C) is looking for an experienced 3+ year Associate Attorney to join our team. Your Role As an Associate Attorney at C+C, you will play a pivotal role in litigation matters. You ...

Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC

Associate Attorney

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a 2-6 year associate attorney to join our Chattanooga office. This role is ideal for someone who wants meaningful litigation experience in a stable, collegial environment--without the ...

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First Year Associate Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

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

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year associate attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 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 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 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.
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What cities are hiring for First Year Associate Attorney jobs? Cities with the most First Year Associate Attorney job openings:
What states have the most First Year Associate Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for First Year Associate Attorney jobs include:
First Year Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Associate Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

First Year Associate (2026 Graduate) - New York

Segal McCambridge

New York, NY • On-site

$105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Segal McCambridge, a national litigation firm, is accepting resumes for First-Year Associate Attorneys to join our New York office. This role is open to recent or 2026 law school graduates who will begin after completion of the bar exam and are eager to launch their legal careers with meaningful, hands-on litigation experience from day one.
The associate will initially focus on toxic tort litigation and some general liability matters, working closely with experienced trial attorneys on sophisticated, high-exposure cases. This role also offers the opportunity and long-term goal of expanding into diversified practice areas as the associate develops professionally within the firm.
This is an exceptional opportunity to gain early litigation and case management experience while building a strong foundation in litigation strategy, advocacy, and client service.
What You'll Do:
• Work closely with partners and senior attorneys on active toxic tort and general liability matters
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and legal correspondence
• Conduct legal research and analysis on substantive legal issues
• Assist with case strategy, fact investigation, and overall case management
• Prepare for and attend depositions, hearings, mediations, and court appearances
• Collaborate with clients, colleagues, experts, and support staff in a team-oriented environment
• Participate in firm-sponsored training and mentorship programs designed specifically for junior associates
• Gain exposure to additional litigation practice areas over time as part of the firm's commitment to professional development and diversified experience
What We're Looking For:
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Bar admission pending or anticipated in Illinois
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• A proactive mindset and eagerness to learn through hands-on experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail
• Interest in litigation, including toxic tort and general liability defense
Why Join Segal McCambridge?
At Segal McCambridge, first-year associates are not sidelined. You'll receive structured training, close mentorship, and real responsibility from the outset. Our trial-focused culture emphasizes learning by doing, with partners who are invested in your development and long-term growth.
Associates in the New York office gain immediate exposure to toxic tort and general liability litigation while also having opportunities to work across a broader range of practice areas as their careers evolve. We are committed to helping associates develop into well-rounded litigators with meaningful client interaction and practical courtroom experience early in their careers.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary - $105,000 with potential for bonus and business origination credit
• Bar preparation reimbursement
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 401(k) with firm match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Life insurance
• Professional development and CLE support
• Employee assistance program
• Referral bonuses
About Segal McCambridge:
Founded in 1986, Segal McCambridge has grown from a four-attorney firm in Chicago into a national litigation firm with offices in more than 15 cities. We represent a diverse client base, including Fortune 500 companies, in complex litigation matters such as asbestos, product liability, class action, environmental, professional liability, cyber risk, and other high-exposure disputes.

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