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First Year Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Allegan County

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Allegan, MI · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Starting Wage Range : $84,988 - $109,262 per year, depending on experience, full-time salaried ... Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date - Medical, Dental & Vision (3 ...

Mellin Robinson, P.C.

Be Seen First

Non-Attorney Salesperson

Troy, MI · On-site

$50K/yr

Professional Services Internal Non-Attorney Salesperson We are looking for an experienced, internal ... first year, along with additional paid holidays, so you can enjoy your life. ● You value a fully ...

Stellantis

Staff Attorney - Trademark

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site +1

... first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage ... Student loan refinancing programs * 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your ...

Progressive

Insurance Defense Attorney

Sterling Heights, MI · Hybrid

$145K - $161K/yr

Apply today and take the first step to Destination: Progress. As an insurance defense attorney ... Compensation * $145,440 - $161,600/year * Gainshare annual cash incentive payment up to 40% of your ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Attorney Editor

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

... to 8 weeks per year, empowering employees to achieve a better work-life balance. * Career ... Our Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach ensures you have the tools and knowledge to ...

Jobot

MI Barred No Fault Attorney

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

1-3+ Years 1st/3rd Party Defense Experience This Jobot Job is hosted by: Jeff Diepenbrock Are you a ... Salary: $120,000 - $145,000 per year A bit about us: ----- In the event that a third party ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Allegan County

Allegan, MI • On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County's natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as "Best in Class Winner" among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the "Impact Award" from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!
Job Summary
At the discretion of the elected Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for performing any and all duties directed by the Prosecuting Attorney, as set forth by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Michigan, and is subject to the same qualifications, statutes, requirements, penalties and obligations applicable therein.
Starting Wage Range: $84,988 - $109,262 per year, depending on experience, full-time salaried position
Excellent Benefits Plan: Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date
- Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 biweekly premium)
- County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
- County-paid employee life insurance coverage
- County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
- Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 7% of your annual earnings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
- Generous PTO plan, including front-loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
- 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
- FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers
Responsibilities and Duties:
  1. Responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor, felony, juvenile delinquency, child abuse, guardianship, animal control, neglect, and mental incompetence proceedings and court cases.
  2. Performs on-call and warrant duties when necessary; requires immediate response to telephone and internet connectivity; contact may travel to office, crime scene, etc.
  3. Represents the People of the State of Michigan in criminal prosecutions at all stages of the process; assists with preparation of civil lawsuits in Circuit Court including drafting complaints, motions, discovery, settlement conferences, trials, judgments and post-judgment proceedings.
  4. Appears in court to represent the best interests of the children involved in child protection proceedings and divorce cases.
  5. Attends and participates in all specialty courts; must be knowledgeable in parameters for entry into Veterans Court and for placement in the Felony Probation Swift and Sure Sanctions program.
  6. Provides education and legal opinions, advice and information to law enforcement, Department of Social Services, Board of Commissioners, and City/County departments and other agencies regarding new laws, statutes, and cases.
  7. Prepares appellate briefs, conducts research, and presents arguments to the Court of Appeals and other appellate Courts.
  8. Participates on various interagency and interdepartmental committees as required by the Prosecuting Attorney; attends meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. to keep abreast of legal matters.
  9. Handles special prosecutor cases as accepted by the Prosecuting Attorney from the Attorney General's Office.
  10. Remains educated and trained on new legislations and case law.
  11. Mentors less experienced APAs as appropriate under the guidance of the APA III's.
  12. Performs other related essential duties as required.

Education and Experience:
  1. Juris Doctorate Graduate from an accredited law school and member of the Michigan State Bar.
  2. Minimum Two (2) years post law school experience

*Candidates must pass a drug screen (which includes testing for THC) in order to be hired for this position.
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