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First Year Attorney Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Burns & Farrey

Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

Your First Year at B&F (For Associates & Newer Attorneys) If you're joining us as an associate or earlier-career attorney, here's what your first year of growth at B&F looks like: Months 1-3 * ...

Burns & Farrey

Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

Your First Year at B&F (For Associates & Newer Attorneys) If you're joining us as an associate or earlier-career attorney, here's what your first year of growth at B&F looks like: Months 1-3 * ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Innovation Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

About the Role The Innovation Attorney is an integral part of Latham's Technology & Information ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

DOVE Inc

Family Law Attorney

Quincy, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing legal consultations ... first year of hire. * A CORI background check is mandatory. CORI history will be reviewed and may ...

DOVE Inc

Family Law Attorney

Quincy, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing legal consultations, pro se assistance and in-court ... first year of hire. * A CORI background check is mandatory. CORI history will be reviewed and may ...

Dove Inc

Family Law Attorney

Quincy, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Description The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing legal consultations, pro se assistance ... first year of hire. * A CORI background check is mandatory. CORI history will be reviewed and may ...

Ocean Spray

Attorney

Lakeville, MA · On-site +1

$116K - $145K/yr

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Attorney! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers ... first year of employment)Holiday pay for 12 holidaysCareer development and growth ...

Ocean Spray

Attorney

Lakeville, MA · On-site

$116K - $145K/yr

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Attorney! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers ... Vacation pay, up to three weeks of time (pro-rated for your first year of employment) * Holiday pay ...

Ocean Spray Cranberries

Attorney

Lakeville, MA · On-site +1

$116K - $145K/yr

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Attorney! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers ... Vacation pay, up to three weeks of time (pro-rated for your first year of employment) * Holiday pay ...

Ocean Spray

Attorney

Lakeville, MA · On-site +1

$116K - $145K/yr

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Attorney! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers ... Vacation pay, up to three weeks of time (pro-rated for your first year of employment) * Holiday pay ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attorney Support Manager

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$140K - $160K/yr

The Attorney Support Manager is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team. This role will ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attorney Support Manager

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$140K - $160K/yr

About the Role The Attorney Support Manager is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attorney Support Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$140K/yr

About the Role The Attorney Support Manager is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attorney Support Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$140 - $160/hr

About the Role The Attorney Support Manager is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

Careers

Attorney Support Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$140 - $160/hr

About the Role The Attorney Support Manager is an integral part of Latham's Attorney Support team ... 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 1-20

All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Massachusetts

First Year Attorney information

See Massachusetts salary details

$44.2K

$107.4K

$209.7K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Massachusetts is $107,389.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $131,100.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,389 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Attorney

Burns & Farrey

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

All Experience Levels Welcome


Who We Are

Burns & Farrey, P.C. has spent 75 years handling litigation matters across New England, and we're building the next generation of litigation defense right now. We've been recognized as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News, ranked in Chambers USA, and named to New England Super Lawyers - but our people are what sets us apart.

We are looking for attorneys at every stage of their career - from associates ready to learn the craft of trial work to experienced litigators who can take on cases independently and mentor others. Whether you're building your foundation or leading from the front, you'll work directly with a tight-knit team that takes pride in the quality of its work.


What You'll Need

  • 1+ years of experience at a litigation firm, preferably in insurance defense
  • Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts
  • Strong organizational, research, writing, and analytical skills
  • For senior candidates: demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience
  • A plus: state or federal clerkship experience, or admission to the New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, or Connecticut bar
  • Must live within commuting distance of Boston, MA or Marlborough, MA


What You'll Do

Handle your own case portfolio, meet with clients, attend hearings, conduct depositions, and guide strategic defense choices. More experienced attorneys will also serve as a resource for associates - offering guidance and mentorship as they grow into seasoned litigators.


Your First Year at B&F (For Associates & Newer Attorneys)

If you're joining us as an associate or earlier-career attorney, here's what your first year of growth at B&F looks like:

Months 1-3

  • Complete B&F Academy, our onboarding program designed to build your skills as a trial attorney
  • Learn how to approach written discovery, legal research, and problem solving for our clients

Months 3-6

  • Handle motion hearings, pleadings, and client reporting independently
  • Handle preparation of large scale depositions
  • Continue your growth as a trial attorney, learning practical trial skills from those with 30+ years of trial experience

Months 6-12

  • Handle your own matters independently
  • Conduct depositions
  • Work directly with clients and partners on complex issues


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Monthly bonus incentives
  • 401(k) participation
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Three (3) weeks paid vacation (15 days)
  • Twelve (12) federal holidays
  • Unlimited sick time
  • A collaborative, tight-knit work environment dedicated to personal and professional growth


We're excited about where B&F is headed, and we'd love for you to be part of it. If this sounds likethe team you've been looking for, apply today.

Apply