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First Year Attorney Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Orion Placement

Family Law Attorney

Saint Catharines, ON · Hybrid

$110K - $145K/yr

  • Vision

  • PTO

Pay: CA$110,000.00 - CA$145,000.00 per year Why This Is a Great Opportunity * Join a highly ... Full-time in-office attendance is required during your first three months for training and ...

Orion Placement

Family Law Attorney

Barrie, ON · Hybrid

$110K - $145K/yr

  • Vision

  • PTO

Pay: CA$110,000.00 - CA$145,000.00 per year Why This Is a Great Opportunity * Join a highly ... Full-time in-office attendance is required during your first three months for training and ...

Mazzeo Law

Family Law Clerk

Woodbridge, ON · On-site

  • PTO

Roles and Responsibilities Provide Lawyers with regular updates on the status of files; Keep in ... We offer three (3) weeks' vacation (pro-rated to start date) in your first year of employment, and ...

Longevity Achieved

Financial Advisor

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$80K - CA$250K/yr

... first year of business. This a culture of winning. At Longevity Achieved we breed winners ... CFP's, estate planning attorneys, directors of practice development, and subject-based ...

Clydeco

Legal Assistant

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$60K - CA$80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... lawyers to ensure deadlines are met; * Preparing standard litigation proceedings, first drafts of ... Wellbeing Benefits - $300 per calendar year for a variety of wellness activities as well as ...

Mazzeo Law

Real Estate Law Clerk

Woodbridge, ON · On-site

  • PTO

... Lawyers in 2022. Our areas of expertise are focused mostly in helping the community resolve their ... We offer three (3) weeks vacation (pro-rated to start date) in your first year of employment, and ...

Torys LLP

Assistant, Risk Management

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$62K - CA$80K/yr

... lawyers); * firm's list of restricted securities and internal trade inquiries; * insurance ... Minimum 1 year of related experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services firm.

KPMG

Billing Coordinator (1-year contract)

Toronto, ON · On-site

As an integrated, multidisciplinary firm, our lawyers work closely with accountants and other ... It's one of the many ways we're delivering on our vision of being a technology-first, people-driven ...

JFK Law

Summer student 2027 - Toronto

Toronto, ON · On-site

This role will assist the firm's Associates to represent our First Nations clients in litigation ... Completion of 2nd year of law school before the position starts. * Excellent analytical ...

goeasy

Billing Administration Associate

Pickering, ON · On-site

$18.10/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Backed by cutting-edge technology and a customer-first mindset, we're redefining how Canadians pay ... At least a year experience in customer service, administrative, or support roles. * Familiarity ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Ontario

First Year Attorney information

See Ontario salary details

$22.5K

$83.8K

$138K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Ontario is $83,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $100,000.00 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 Ontario?

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

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

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

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,754 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Family Law Attorney

Orion Placement

Saint Catharines, ON • Hybrid

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Vision, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Pay: CA$110,000.00 - CA$145,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • Join a highly respected family law team focused exclusively on helping clients through some of the most important moments of their lives.
  • Handle meaningful, sophisticated family law matters with strong mentorship and support from experienced lawyers.
  • Enjoy a realistic annual billable target that promotes work-life balance while offering exceptional bonus potential.
  • Earn a generous 40% bonus on billable hours above target after onboarding and ramp-up.
  • Build a long-term career with clear opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
  • Work in a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and your development is a priority.

Location: Hybrid opportunity based in St. Catharines, Ontario. Full-time in-office attendance is required during your first three months for training and onboarding, followed by a hybrid schedule with two in-office days per week.

Note: Applicants must have at least 3 years of recent family law experience and be licensed to practice law in Ontario. Candidates from private practice, solo practice, or in-house backgrounds are welcome if they meet the experience requirements.

About Us

We are a dedicated family law practice committed to helping individuals and families navigate separation, divorce, parenting matters, support issues, and property division with compassion, professionalism, and practical solutions. We believe in delivering outstanding client service while fostering a supportive, collaborative workplace where our lawyers can thrive. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Represent clients in a wide range of family law matters including separation, divorce, parenting, child support, spousal support, and property division.
  • Manage your own caseload while receiving support from experienced colleagues.
  • Draft pleadings, agreements, motions, financial statements, and other family law documents.
  • Negotiate settlements and participate in mediation, case conferences, and court appearances.
  • Build trusted client relationships through responsive communication and practical legal advice.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to develop effective legal strategies and achieve positive client outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate file management and meet professional and ethical obligations.

Qualifications

  • Licensed to practice law in Ontario.
  • 3+ years of recent family law experience.
  • Strong drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
  • Excellent communication and client relationship abilities.
  • Organized with strong case management skills.
  • Comfortable managing files independently while working collaboratively with a team.
  • Courtroom experience is an asset.
  • More senior family law experience is highly welcomed.

Why You Will Love Working Here

We value collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. Our lawyers enjoy a supportive culture, manageable billable expectations, meaningful client work, and outstanding earning potential through a highly rewarding bonus structure. You'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in clients' lives while building a successful long-term career.

JPC-1366

Benefits:

  • Paid time off
  • Vision care