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First Year Associate Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Attorney

Long Beach, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Oakland, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Attorney / First Year Associate in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary! (the range in this ad is purely an estimate--we are flexible)

Junior Attorney

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Glendale, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Stockton, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Oxnard, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Huntington Beach, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Modesto, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Santa Clarita, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Riverside, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Fresno, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

San Bernardino, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Fontana, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Irvine, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Showing results 21-40

First Year Associate Lawyer information

See salary details

$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.

More about First Year Associate Lawyer jobs

What cities are hiring for First Year Associate Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most First Year Associate Lawyer job openings:

What states have the most First Year Associate Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for First Year Associate Lawyer jobs include:

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

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

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 (Corporate) - Miami

Direct Counsel

Miami, FL

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Entry-Level Corporate Associate – Miami, FL

Direct Counsel is representing a leading AmLaw 100 firm seeking an Entry-Level Corporate Associate to join its Corporate Department in Miami.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support M&A and Capital Markets matters
  • Conduct legal research and due diligence
  • Draft and review transaction documents
  • Assist with client communications and deal execution
  • Work closely with attorneys in a fast-paced environment
Qualifications
  • Genuine interest in corporate law, M&A, and Capital Markets
  • Strong academic credentials
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
  • Highly detail-oriented and able to manage a demanding workload
  • Eligible for admission to the Florida Bar
  • Spanish fluency preferred, but not required
Position Details

Miami, FL
Onsite | Full-Time
Entry-Level Corporate Associate

Competitive compensation and excellent benefits!