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First Year Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

PacifiCorp

Sr Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$155K - $213K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A minimum of five years previous law firm experience as a transactional/commercial attorney ... year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. Life ...

PacifiCorp

Sr Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$155K - $213K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... commercial attorney. • Demonstrated in-depth experience and knowledge with legal and/or ... year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. • Life ...

PacifiCorp

Sr Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$155K - $213K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... commercial attorney. • Demonstrated in-depth experience and knowledge with legal and/or ... year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. • Life ...

PacifiCorp

Sr Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$155K - $213K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A minimum of five years previous law firm experience as a transactional/commercial attorney ... year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. Life ...

Perkins Coie LLP

Legal Practice Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$63K - $113K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serve as a trusted partner, mentor, and primary point of contact for assigned first-year associates ... Anticipate needs by proactively managing attorney workloads, priorities, and deadlines from start ...

Yamhill County

LEGAL SECRETARY (SOS)

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$3.3K - $4.7K/mo

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Represents the District Attorney's Office to the general public in person and on the telephone ... the first year (based on an 8-hr day). PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) - 100% employer ...

Mercy Housing, Inc.

Senior Loan Officer - Denver Office

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$110K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... PTO your first year, 12 company holidays + 2 floating holidays. * 403b + match * Early close ... lawyers. * Understanding of accounting principles; comprehend and interpret financial reports and ...

Latham & Watkins LLP

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ... Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff Latham & Watkins is an equal ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Oregon

First Year Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$42.8K

$104K

$203K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 Oregon?

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

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:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,963 per year, or $50 per hour.

Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense - Dui

Reynolds Defense Firm

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about criminal defense, hardworking, upbeat, and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment? Then you may be the perfect fit to manage meaningful cases and help good people move forward after a DUI.
We are seeking an attorney to lead our Corvallis, OR office. You'll step into a steady but manageable caseload with dedicated legal-assistant support, established firm systems, and above-market compensation and benefits, so you can do your best work for clients while maintaining a full life outside the office.
Why Attorneys Join Reynolds Defense Firm
  • Base salary of $115,000-$150,000, plus performance bonuses and origination incentives
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and life insurance, with FSA/DCA available
  • 401(k) with 3% employer contribution after one year
  • Three weeks of paid vacation (increases with tenure) and 40 hours of sick leave
  • Work-from-home flexibility after 90 days
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Caseload of 25-40 active matters, fully supported by legal staff
  • A culture that takes work-life balance seriously, with a team-first attitude where shared expertise and knowledge serve clients best
  • As the largest DUI law firm in the Pacific Northwest, with an exceptional courtroom reputation and established presence in the Portland-Metro area, Willamette Valley, and beyond

Responsibilities
• Lead the Corvallis office, managing a caseload of 25-40 DUI and related criminal defense matters in Benton, Linn, and surrounding Willamette Valley counties
• Represent clients at arraignments, motions, hearings, and trials; draft motions and conduct legal research
• Handle DMV implied-consent hearings and license-suspension matters
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to office leadership
• Participate in ongoing DUI-defense continuing legal education
• Optionally, build a referral base using the firm's established business-development systems
Qualifications
Required
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active membership in the Oregon State Bar in good standing
• Minimum of two (2) years (five or more preferred) of criminal law experience (defense, prosecution, judicial clerkship), including trial experience
• DUI defense and/or felony case experience
• Sound judgment and courtroom composure under pressure
• Ability to counsel clients with clarity and compassion; execute case strategies aligned with their goals
Preferred
• Experience in Willamette Valley, Eugene-area, Coastal, or Portland-metro courts
• Spanish-language fluency
• Demonstrated mentoring or management/leadership experience

Apply