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First Year Associate Lawyer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Tax Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

Associate Attorney - Tax Direct Counsel is seeking a Tax Associate Attorney to join a leading ... Generous paid vacation (four weeks per year), sick time, and 10 paid holidays * Paid parental leave ...

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Downtown Denver civil trial firm seeks an associate-attorney with 2-5 years' experience. With ... Law office: 1 year (Required) Ability to Commute: * Denver, CO 80202 (Required) Ability to Relocate:

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$110K - $145K/yr

... first-party property claims, commercial casualty matters and trucking. Associates in this role ... four-lawyer firm in Chicago into a national litigation firm with offices across the country ...

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Associate Attorney $100000 - $150000 per year | Denver, CO | On-site | Permanent Associate Attorney for Denver Commercial Litigation Firm- Bonus Potential and Growth! A bit about us: We are a ...

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$110K - $145K/yr

... first-party property claims, commercial casualty matters and trucking. Associates in this role ... four-lawyer firm in Chicago into a national litigation firm with offices across the country ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$66K - $130K/yr

Remote-First Setting with Brick and Mortar Space Available (in-person as required by courts & clients). * Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$66K - $130K/yr

Remote-First Setting with Brick and Mortar Space Available (in-person as required by courts & clients). * Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client ...

Remote-First Setting with Brick-and-Mortar Space Available (in-person as required by courts & clients). * Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client ...

Resident/Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$66K - $130K/yr

Remote-First Setting  with Brick and Mortar Space Available (in-person as required by courts & clients). * Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Year Associate Lawyer information

See Colorado salary details

$48.4K

$113.7K

$181.4K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year associate lawyer in Colorado is $113,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $136,700.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to First Year Associate Lawyer jobs in Colorado?

For First Year Associate Lawyer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for First Year Associate Lawyer jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various First Year Associate Lawyer job openings in Colorado as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,732 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Denver-Associate Attorney

Denver, CO • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Denver-Associate Attorney

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Denver

Compensation: $130,000 - $170,000 / year


Description

The Associate Attorney will support and assist in the representation of clients in state and federal plaintiff's-side wage-and-hour, class, and representative action litigation against regional, national, and Fortune 500 companies. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting legal research; drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery responses; assisting with deposition preparation and attendance; preparing for and appearing at court hearings; and communicating with clients under the guidance of senior attorneys. Our caseload is growing and the ideal candidate for this position is a licensed attorney who is organized, professional, eager to learn, and committed to achieving strong outcomes for our clients.


Qualifications
  • Candidates must be either (a) licensed to practice law in Colorado (b) already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction and pending admission to the Colorado Bar.
  • The ideal candidate will be licensed to practice law in Colorado and have 1-3 years of experience in civil litigation, including experience with discovery in the civil litigation context, oral advocacy and appearing in Court, motion practice and taking/defending depositions.
  • Prior experience with class actions, complex litigation, and wage and hour litigation is a plus.
  • Candidates must be able to travel on occasion.
License/Certification:
  • Must be licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado

Benefits
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Opportunity for Performance Based Discretionary Bonus & Merit Increases
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