ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Year Associate Lawyer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Tax Associate Attorney

Aurora, CO

$260K - $365K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

Murphy & Decker P C

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're Hiring | Associate Attorney | Downtown Denver We are looking for an attorney to join our ... Year-end and performance bonuses * Paid CLE credits and Colorado bar dues * Mentorship and hands-on ...

Murphy & Decker P C

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're Hiring | Associate Attorney | Downtown Denver We are looking for an attorney to join our ... Year-end and performance bonuses * Paid CLE credits and Colorado bar dues * Mentorship and hands-on ...

Segal McCambridge

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$110K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Fort Collins, CO

$66K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$66K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$66K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$66K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Zwicker & Associates, P.C.

Associate Attorney

Englewood, CO · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The base salary range for this position is $80,000-$95,000 per year, plus applicable bonus. Responsibilities of Associate Attorneys include * Communicate effectively and appropriately with team ...

Zwicker & Associates, P.C.

Associate Attorney

Englewood, CO · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The base salary range for this position is $80,000-$95,000 per year, plus applicable bonus. Responsibilities of Associate Attorneys include * Communicate effectively and appropriately with team ...

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 Aug 20, 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 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,732 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Senior Labor & Employment Associate Attorney

Boutique Recruiting

Denver, CO • On-site

$210K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

A nationally recognized leader in labor and employment law is seeking an experienced Senior Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join its Denver office. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated attorney to work alongside a collaborative team, handle complex traditional labor matters, and play a key role in client advocacy. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance arbitration, and have the confidence to independently manage a demanding caseload.
They are looking for a proactive, self-starting attorney who thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance environment and is eager to work closely with both clients and colleagues to deliver outstanding results.
Salary Range: $210,000 - $230,000 / year DOE
Senior Labor & Employment Associate Attorney Responsibilities:
  • Manage traditional labor law cases from inception to resolution
  • Represent employers in collective bargaining negotiations and contract administration
  • Handle grievance arbitrations and defend against unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB
  • Draft and respond to discovery, initial pleadings, and dispositive motions
  • Take and defend depositions, and argue motions in court
  • Advise clients on a wide range of labor issues, including union relations and compliance
  • Collaborate with partners across multiple offices on diverse, high-profile cases

Senior Labor & Employment Associate Attorney Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active bar admission in Colorado
  • 7+ years of traditional labor law experience
  • Extensive experience in collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance arbitration
  • Experience prosecuting and defending unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB is preferred
  • Strong academic credentials and excellent writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Team player with the ability to work independently and proactively contribute to case strategies

Benefits:
  • Competitive base salary
  • Billable Hour Bonus
  • Formula Bonus and Year-End Discretionary Bonus
  • 401(k) with profit-sharing contribution
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, and FSA Plans
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Paid Parental Leave, Profit Sharing, Life Insurance, and Pet Insurance
  • Paid Holidays

If you're ready to elevate your career and work with some of the most talented attorneys in the field, apply today!
#LI-BM1 #IND-LEGAL
Boutique Recruiting logo

About Boutique Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a team with shared goals; mindfully placing candidates in the workforce to successfully fulfill their career ambitions while encouraging a sense of purpose and value. We have created a new kind of placement firm — one that values connection, personalization, commitment, impact, boldness and achievement. At Boutique Recruiting, our clients, candidates and employees are at the heart of our success.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Boutique Recruiting Jobs

Apply