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First Year Attorney Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

OGC Assistant - Compliance

Hamden, CT · Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

Responding to questions from lawyers and support team members in assigned offices regarding KYC ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

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Showing results 21-40

First Year Attorney information

See Connecticut salary details

$38.5K

$93.5K

$182.6K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Connecticut is $93,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $114,200.00 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 Connecticut?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,540 per year, or $45 per hour.

OGC Assistant - Bar Compliance

Latham & Watkins LLP

Waterbury, CT • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Latham & Watkins rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 35 rated law firms


Job description

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong.

About the Role

The OGC Assistant - Bar Compliance is an integral part of Latham’s Office of the General Counsel team. This role will be responsible for supporting the firm’s global bar admissions and registration compliance program and reports to the OGC Supervisor - Bar Compliance. This role will be located in our Washington, D.C. office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining the firm’s bar admissions database
  • Verifying attorney bar credentials
  • Compiling and maintaining global bar admissions statistics
  • Assisting with projects involving bar admissions
  • Managing the archive of all attorney practice certificates/certificates of good standing
  • Monitoring the admission progress of attorneys, maintaining a tracking spreadsheet used to assist with the process
  • Communicating bar admissions policies and procedures to attorneys and teams
  • Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains

We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Possess strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Exhibit great attention to detail
  • Enjoy working in a collaborative environment
  • Demonstrate an advanced ability to perceive and analyze problems, and develop alternative strategies to solve them

And have:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • A minimum of one (1) year of bar compliance experience at a law or professional services firm, preferably

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Healthcare, life and disability insurance
  • A generous 401k plan
  • At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
  • Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
  • Professional development programs
  • Employee discounts
  • Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.

Please click here to review your rights under U.S. employment laws. #EntryLevel #wayup #LI-CC2

Pay Range

USD $65,000.00 - USD $75,000.00 /Yr.


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