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First Year Associate Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peggy Browning Fund

First Year Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Slevin & Hart offers the unique opportunity to learn directly from attorneys who helped shape the ... where First Year Associates work side-by-side with experienced attorneys in a collaborative ...

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First Year Associate Lawyer information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year associate lawyer 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 lawyer?

First Year Associate Lawyers are newly qualified attorneys who have recently graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. They typically work in law firms under the supervision of more experienced lawyers, assisting with legal research, drafting documents, and supporting case preparation. Their primary role is to learn the practical aspects of the legal profession, gain experience in different areas of law, and develop their legal skills. The first year is often demanding as associates adapt to the fast-paced environment and high expectations of legal practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year associate lawyer?

To thrive as a First Year Associate Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork abilities help you stand out in a demanding law firm environment. These skills enable new associates to deliver high-quality work, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively to client matters and firm success.

What are some of the common challenges faced by first year associate lawyers, and how can they effectively overcome them?

First Year Associate Lawyers often encounter challenges such as managing a steep learning curve, balancing multiple assignments with tight deadlines, and adapting to the expectations of senior attorneys. To overcome these, it's helpful to proactively communicate with supervisors, seek feedback, and prioritize tasks effectively. Building strong organizational skills and taking initiative to learn from more experienced colleagues can also ease the transition into practice. Engaging in firm-sponsored training and networking with peers further supports professional growth and confidence in the role.

What is the difference between First Year Associate Lawyer vs Paralegal?

AspectFirst Year Associate LawyerParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, courtsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, law firms, corporate legal teamsLegal support roles, law firms, legal departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a First Year Associate Lawyer and a Paralegal lies in their credentials and responsibilities. A First Year Associate Lawyer has a JD degree, is licensed to practice law, and handles legal research, drafting, and client interactions. A Paralegal supports lawyers by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files but is not licensed to practice law. While both roles work within legal environments, the associate lawyer has more advanced responsibilities and legal authority.

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Cities with the most First Year Associate Lawyer job openings:

What states have the most First Year Associate Lawyer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching First Year Associate Lawyer jobs look for?

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First Year Associate Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Associate Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

First Year Associate

Peggy Browning Fund

Washington, DC • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Slevin & Hart, P.C., with offices in Washington, D.C. and New York, NY, is a highly specialized law firm whose core business is the representation of employee benefits funds, with a particular expertise in representing joint labor management multiemployer plans. We take pride in the fact that the majority of our work is for the ultimate benefit of union-represented workers in numerous industries across the United States.

Our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional legal services hinges upon employing top quality professionals at all levels. Slevin & Hart is able to recruit highly successful employees because we offer competitive salaries and benefits, challenging work, and a culture of collegiality.

Please note: current openings are for our Washington, D.C. office only.

First Year Associates

Slevin & Hart recruits talented, well-credentialed 3L students for First Year Associate positions in our D.C. office. We value outstanding academics, excellent writing skills, an interest in practicing employee benefits law, and a commitment to providing legal services for the ultimate benefit of union-represented workers throughout the country. In return, we offer active mentoring, early client interaction and responsibility, challenging assignments and professional development and a direct engagement with the labor movement through the work we do. Slevin & Hart offers the unique opportunity to learn directly from attorneys who helped shape the laws governing employee benefits and who continue to set practice standards. The size and structure of our firm allows for a team approach to client representation where First Year Associates work side-by-side with experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment.

Slevin & Hart, P.C. is an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote, and evaluate all personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Job applicants and present employees are evaluated solely on ability, experience, and the requirements of the job.

The Peggy Browning Fund and its Board of Directors mourns the passing of Tom Conway, International President of the United Steelworkers.

Peggy Browning Summer Fellows had many additional programs from which to choose to bring added depth to the work they were assigned.

A champion is gone. The day of his death was sad and dark. The passing of President Trumka is a loss for the entire labor movement and for workers and their families throughout this country. It was also a very personal loss for all of us here at the Peggy Browning Fund and for so many workers’...

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