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First Year Attorney Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 31, 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:

Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,389 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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 Innovation Attorney is an integral part of Latham's Technology & Information Services team.  This role will be responsible for serving as a connection point and conduit between the firm's lawyers, clients, and the Technology & Information Services Department to ensure the firm's technology systems, tools, and services are effectively meeting the needs of Latham's practicing attorneys and clients, while working with practice group leadership and those directly supporting the practice (e.g., Knowledge Management Lawyers, Practice Development Managers, etc.) to understand the technology needs of the firm's lawyers and their clients at the practice group level, assisting in developing technical strategies to improve efficiency, and making recommendations for how to integrate applications and technology solutions into the practice group's workflow. This role will be located in either our Los Angeles office in Century City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston or New York 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:

  • Staying abreast of advancements in generative artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies and innovative new offerings, both legal and non-legal, to ensure a state-of-the-art technology platform is available to and fully exploited by the firm's lawyers
  • Providing updates and analysis of these new technologies and industry trends to firm management and practice group leadership
  • Looking for opportunities to leverage existing and emerging technologies into specific practices, as applicable, and assisting with pilot and proof of concept programs, including drafting specifications, evaluating software objectively and versus peer or incumbent products, and testing products and services
  • Working with the Technology & Information Services Department management and firm leadership to make recommendations for strategic deployment of efficient processes, technology-related policies, software tools, and other technology-assisted solutions for Latham attorneys and clients
  • Fostering strategic relationships with industry organizations, innovation thought leaders and third-party vendors
  • Assisting with communications between practicing lawyers, local technology teams, and the global technology support services group, as necessary, ensuring support efforts are being managed and resolved by the appropriate parties 
  • Participating in, and contributing to, various technology-related working groups and committees as necessary, such as the Technology Committee and the Security Committee
  • Communicating with the attorney population by preparing and delivering technology presentations and technology training related to strategic technology deployments and projects, collaborating with key attorneys on service initiatives, and by working with practice leadership to understand how emerging technologies can support the provision of legal services to clients
  • 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 the understanding of product development and management, including user personas, user stories, scoping, requirements documentation, roadmap planning, UI/UX concepts, and user testing
  • Display proficiency in enterprise PC applications, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio
  • Demonstrate knowledge of LegalTech product categories

And have:

  • A JD or equivalent, and admission to the relevant state bar
  • A minimum of four (4) years of experience as a practicing lawyer in a law firm or in a legal operations role
  • Experience in a technology role, 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.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. An employer that violates this law may be subject to fines and/or a private right of action for $500 in statutory damages "for each such violation," among other things.

Please click here to view the full job description for this role.

Latham & Watkins LLP will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).  Please click the link below to review the Ordinance.

Please click here to review your rights under U.S. employment laws. 

Pay RangeUSD $220,000.00 - USD $250,000.00 /Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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