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First Year Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Holland, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Petoskey, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Traverse City, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Monroe, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Petoskey, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Holland, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Be Seen First

Attorney

Muskegon, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Be Seen First

Attorney

Muskegon, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Monroe, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Attorney

Traverse City, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ... Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives ...

Urgent

Michigan Advocacy Program

Staff Attorney

Lansing, MI · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION: The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking two full-time attorneys with a ... MSAS also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year ...

Michigan Advocacy Program

Staff Attorney

Lansing, MI · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking two full-time attorneys with a demonstrated ... MSAS also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Michigan

First Year Attorney information

See Michigan salary details

$35.3K

$85.7K

$167.3K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Michigan is $85,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,100.00 and $104,600.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,704 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Litigation Attorney - Early Career

LawMates Legal Staffing & Recruiting

Auburn Hills, MI

$150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and academic achievement

We are seeking a highly motivated Litigation Attorney to join our growing litigation practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for a first or second-year attorney who is passionate about litigation and is looking to build a long-term career with a well-respected construction litigation, complex commercial litigation, and claims litigation law firm known for providing exceptional mentorship, challenging legal work, and professional growth.

This position is ideal for candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and are eager to gain additional hands-on litigation experience in a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Responsibilities

  • Manage litigation matters from inception through resolution under the guidance of experienced attorneys.
  • Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda.
  • Attend court hearings, depositions, mediations, and client meetings.
  • Assist with discovery, trial preparation, and case strategy.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
  • Work collaboratively with attorneys and staff to achieve successful client outcomes.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed to practice law in Michigan
  • First or second-year attorney with litigation experience preferred.
  • Exceptional academic credentials required.
  • Cum laude or higher strongly required.
  • Law Review and/or Moot Court experience highly preferred.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and work ethic.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment.
  • Experience in Construction Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Construction Transactions, Claims Litigation, Environmental Law, or Labor Law preferred.

Compensation

Compensation is based on experience and academic achievement.

  • First-Year Attorney: Starting salary of $130,000 for candidates with outstanding academic credentials.
  • Second-Year Attorney: Starting salary of $150,000 for candidates with outstanding academic credentials.

Bonus Opportunity

Eligible for an annual year-end performance bonus based on both individual performance and firm success.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • CLE and professional development reimbursement

If you are an ambitious early-career attorney with exceptional academic credentials and a passion for litigation, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to excellence in advocacy and client service.

Questions: Contact Na'Tasia at 248.727.8648 or natasia@law-mates.com

Apply through Indeed or Email your resume over for review!

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person