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First Year Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Michigan Advocacy Program

Staff Attorney

Lansing, MI · On-site

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 ...

Friedman Law Firm

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Associate Attorney

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Three and a half weeks of vacation in the first year * Paid holidays * 401K match * State and local ... attorney who can be both.

Hutchinson Cannatella

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Associate Attorney

Detroit, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Requirements: Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan, at least 1 year ... Preferred : insurance defense and first-party PIP. Benefits: Competitive salary commensurate with ...

City Of Warren, MI

City Attorney

Warren, MI · On-site

$149K/yr

... without first securing the approval of such employment or retainer by the council. Preferred ... Pay rate: Up to $149,000/year (Depending on Qualifications) Excellent benefit package includes ...

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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 12, 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 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 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 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 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.

Staff Attorney (Monroe)

Michigan Advocacy Program

Monroe, MI • On-site

$64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) is seeking a Staff Attorney in our Monroe office, which serves Monroe and Lenawee Counties. The staff attorney will provide a range of direct legal representation, advocacy, and impact work, focusing on public benefits and related family, housing, and consumer law matters.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: LSSCM is a division of the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP). MAP works to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. MAP has provided civil legal aid for those unable to afford an attorney for more than 50 years. Today, Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) has five legal aid offices in south and central Michigan serving 13 counties with an emphasis on homelessness prevention, domestic violence and elder abuse prevention, and assistance in accessing health care, food, and needs-based income programs. Visit www.miadvocacy.org and www.lsscm.org for more information.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should be licensed to practice law in Michigan, qualified to be admitted by waiver, or able to take the next Michigan bar exam. Applicants must possess excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals and underserved populations through lived or learned experience. Legal aid and/or litigation experience is a plus.
BENEFITS: Starting salary is from $64,946 depending on experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short and long term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. MAP is a unionized program.
TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/308. Resumes submitted before August 31, 2026 will receive the highest priority.
The Michigan Advocacy Program is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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