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First Year Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Assists panel attorneys as first or second chair counsel if feasible and no conflict of interest ... year or more experience in the area of criminal law * Must be licensed by the State of Texas to ...

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First Year Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$42.8K

$104K

$203K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Oregon is $103,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $126,900.00 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 job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for First Year Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most First Year Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $103,963 per year, or $50 per hour.
MAC Immigration Attorney

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Bexar County rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

645th of 705 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Title

MAC Immigration Attorney

Pay Rate Min to Mid Range

Time Type

Full time

Summary

Under general direction, Immigration Attorney will support panel attorneys on immigration matters. Will provide immigration consultations for attorneys and clients, however, will not represent defendants on their immigration cases; also will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining legal resources made available through the MAC--physically and electronically--for court appointed attorneys on their work of assigned cases. Will assist the Director, the Trial Division Chief, and the Director of Professional Development & Holistic Services with training, publications, and other duties as needed in the field of juvenile defense. Serves as subject matter expert, individually motivated and operating with a sense of urgency and personal accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Supports the Bexar County Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) panel attorneys in immigration matters

  • Provides immigration consultations with panel attorneys and their clients

  • Stays informed of legislative changes and emerging issues in the field of immigration law

  • Serves as the primary liaison between MAC office and the courts

  • Assists panel attorneys as first or second chair counsel if feasible and no conflict of interest exists

  • Monitors and manages legal resources made available through the MAC; physically and electronically for panel attorneys in their work of appointed cases

  • Monitors and manages intake assessment and appropriate assignment of attorneys to cases

  • Reviews financial claims and monitor adherence to caseload guidelines

  • Provides support, when needed, with pretrial matters, litigation, or trial issues

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and must have at least two (2) years' experience in the area of immigration law; must have taken court appointments in criminal law matters and have at least one (1) year or more experience in the area of criminal law

  • Must be licensed by the State of Texas to practice law and must maintain good standing with the State Bar of Texas

  • Must have in-depth knowledge of the complex intersection between immigration law and state criminal law

  • Must practice client-centered representation

  • Strong public speaking skills and interpersonal skills; skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously; skill in communicating effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy

  • Ability to adjust to rapidly fluctuating situations; ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, County employees, Department Heads, Elected/Appointed Officials, outside organizations, attorneys, the news media and the public

  • Demonstrates technological intuitiveness

  • Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance

  • Must clear a pre-employment physical

  • May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working With Bexar County

Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee's spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.

Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

BexarCounty is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enableindividualswith disabilities to perform the essential functions.


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