ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Year Associate Lawyer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

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 ...

John R. Rodman & Associates

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:

Segal McCambridge

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 ...

Segal McCambridge

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 ...

Modern Family Law

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 ...

Modern Family Law

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 ...

Modern Family Law

Resident/Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$66.56 - $130/hr

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 ...

Modern Family Law

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Year Associate Lawyer JobsFirst Year Associate Lawyer Jobs in Colorado

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 4, 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:

First Year Associate Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Associate Lawyer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,732 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Litigation Associate Attorney

Sigler & Nelson LLC

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$72K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Lakewood, Colorado law firm practicing in the areas of Elder Law, Trusts and Estates, Guardianships and Conservatorships, Litigation and Estate Planning has an immediate opening for a Litigation Associate Attorney. Small law firm with a collaborative office atmosphere and ability to maintain a work-life balance schedule.


Our firm’s practice is composed of contested and uncontested Litigation with some transactional work in Estate Planning. Our primary areas of focus are Guardianships, Conservatorships, Estate and Trust Administration and Litigation. Associate attorney will support both law partners with their caseloads as well as develop and/or maintain a caseload of their own. Associate attorney will receive one-on-one mentorship and training to develop their skills in these areas of law. Responsibilities of the position include producing drafts, conducting legal research, meeting and communicating with clients, and preparing for and representing clients in Court hearings.


Our office has a high level of involvement with the Elder Law and Trust & Estate Sections within the CBA, as well as the Denver metro communities. We promote and participate in Senior Law Days and the Senior Law Handbook every year, which help bring information to the public about Elder Law and Trust & Estate topics. Similar-minded applicants are encouraged to apply.


Qualified candidates will have 0-5 years of experience as an attorney, superior organizational skills, the ability to work both independently and with a team, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. New law school graduates are welcome to apply. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite is required. Prior experience with Judicial Department Forms, Clio and Colorado Courts E-Filing are a plus. Prior experience working in a private law firm, either through an externship or other employment, is required.


Base Salary Range: of $72,000-90,000 per year, based upon experience, plus benefits and bonuses. 

Total Salary Expectation with Bonuses: $72,000-120,000 per year.*


*Associates are eligible for quarterly, profit-sharing bonuses based upon hours billed on client matters when minimum billable time expectation is exceeded. Minimum billable time expectation is two times the associate’s gross salary (less than 1,000 billable hours per year), which allows associates to optimize their work-life balance. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for this position, based upon employee qualifications and other considerations permitted by law. The range may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by Colorado Equal Pay Transparency Rule 4.1.2.


Benefits package also includes paid vacation and sick leave; health, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) with up to 4% employer match; paid holidays; and employer-paid covered parking.


To apply, email a resume, cover letter, writing sample and 3 professional references to shareholder Kayla Nelson at Kayla@SiglerLawCO.com. 


Apply