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First Year Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MANUKYAN LAW FIRM

Be Seen First

Associate Attorney- Employment Law

Glendale, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

We are looking to hire an associate attorney, preferably a first or second year attorney, who has experience with answering discovery. We practice Plaintiff's side employment law. Responsibilities ...

Jobot

Associate Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $150K/yr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Attorney / First Year Associate in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary with bonus incentive program * Generous Benefits Package (medical and ...

MANUKYAN LAW FIRM

Be Seen First

Associate Attorney- Employment Law

Glendale, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

We are looking to hire an associate attorney, preferably a first or second year attorney, who has experience with answering discovery. We practice Plaintiff's side employment law. Responsibilities ...

JBA International

Trial Attorney

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

Plaintiffs Practice Seeking 5+ year attorney with personal injury trial experience * Must have ... Medical and Vacation starting after 90 days Interview Process: 1st interview= phone/zoom 2nd ...

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All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in California

First Year Attorney information

See California salary details

$40K

$97K

$189.5K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in California is $97,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first year attorney?

A first year attorney is a lawyer who has recently graduated from law school and has just begun practicing law, typically in their first year at a law firm or legal organization. These attorneys are often referred to as 'associates' and usually focus on learning the foundational aspects of legal practice, performing research, drafting documents, and assisting more senior lawyers. The first year is considered a training period where new attorneys gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and begin to build their legal careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate work, meeting client and firm expectations, and building a successful legal career from the outset.

What are some common challenges faced by first year attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

First year attorneys often face challenges related to managing a steep learning curve, balancing heavy workloads, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department. It's common to feel overwhelmed by billable hour requirements and the expectation to deliver high-quality work while learning firm procedures. Building strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, seeking regular feedback, and taking proactive steps to improve time management skills can help ease the transition. Many firms also offer training programs and support networks to assist new attorneys in developing their legal and professional skills.

What is the difference between First Year Attorney vs Law Clerk?

AspectFirst Year AttorneyLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsJ.D. degree, bar admissionJ.D. degree, often bar admission not required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesCourts, law firms, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, post-law schoolJudicial and legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Attorneys and Law Clerks often share similar educational backgrounds, but First Year Attorneys are typically recent law school graduates working as entry-level lawyers, while Law Clerks usually assist judges or attorneys with research and drafting. Both roles require a J.D. degree, but First Year Attorneys are more involved in client representation and legal practice, whereas Law Clerks focus on research and case preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their career goals and experience.

What are popular job titles related to First Year Attorney jobs in California?

For First Year Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for First Year Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most First Year Attorney job openings:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,043 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Junior Associate Attorney - 2201690

JBA International

Glendale, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Growing law firm in the Los Angeles-area, considered a powerhouse in the field of plaintiff's-side wage-and-hour class action litigation, seeks a highly-qualified First Year Attorney to join its expanding team. The firm has a robust caseload, in federal and state courts, against regional, national, and Fortune 500 companies in multiple industries. Focusing on the prosecution of consumer and employment class and representative actions, involving wage-and-hour, unfair business practice, discrimination, and false advertising matters, The firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of thousands of employees and consumers in California.

Our firm has a large number of active cases in both state and federal courts throughout California.

This is the perfect opportunity to get experience and exposure working with a powerhouse in state and federal plaintiffs-side class action litigation, against regional, national, and Fortune 500 companies in multiple industries.

Due to the large number of active cases throughout the state, we are looking to add members to the team immediately as first year litigation associates.

Hiring Criteria

All qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

  • Licensed to practice law in California or pending admission to the California bar.
  • Candidates must be able to travel occasionally.
  • A positive attitude and interest in joining a highly successful firm and collegial group of 25+ attorneys dedicated to helping those who have experienced injustice in the workplace across California.
  • The firm offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
  • Benefits include partially paid top-tier health plan, 401(k), paid vacation, and potential bonus pay.
  • Excellent opportunity for career growth, with professional development, including employer support for training, courses, and continuing education.

Employment Type

Full-time