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First Year Attorney Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

The Civil IV Deputy County Attorney works independently and applies professional judgment and skill ... first year. RESPONSIBILITIES * Preparation of formal legal opinions, drafting of municipal ...

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 per year A bit about us: ----- We are a client-focused professional ... Why join us? ----- We have a client-first approach and are committed to delivering practical ...

Our core values are Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together. We are seeking outstanding ... During each rotation, the attorney will work closely with experienced team members, contribute to ...

Our core values are Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together. We are seeking outstanding ... During each rotation, the attorney will work closely with experienced team members, contribute to ...

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First Year Attorney information

See Utah salary details

$36.9K

$89.5K

$174.8K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Utah is $89,517.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $109,200.00 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 Utah look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Utah are:
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,517 per year, or $43 per hour.

Civil IV Deputy County Attorney

Cache County

Logan, UT • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Cache County rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

676th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

OVERVIEW

Cache County is accepting applications for the position of Civil IV Deputy County Attorney. This is a full‑time position that will primarily involve complex professional legal work on civil cases and civil issues involving Cache County. The Civil IV Deputy County Attorney works independently and applies professional judgment and skill in the preparation and presentation of cases and in providing legal advice and opinions to county departments.

The Civil IV Deputy County Attorney is a full‑time, benefited position. All benefits start on the first day! Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, Utah Retirement System, 14 paid holidays and 18 days of Personal Leave in the first year.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Preparation of formal legal opinions, drafting of municipal legislation (ordinances), and representation of the County in civil litigation within State and Federal jurisdictions.
  • Assessing liability, advising officials on settlement of claims and collaborating with external insurance counsel. Serves as a public‑facing representative of the County Attorney's Office during board meetings and community consultations.
  • Prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and memoranda for study and consideration by the County Attorney and/or other County officials.
  • Performs assigned legal work in the Attorney's Office. Practices in specialized and complex areas of law requiring in‑depth knowledge of state and local government law.
  • Demonstrates familiarity with applicable federal statutes and regulations as well as thorough knowledge of county ordinances, policies, and procedures.
  • Provides direction and counsel to County officials, elected officials, department heads, boards, and commissions regarding program development, policy interpretation or guidance, and risk assessment.
  • Analyzes probable outcomes of cases; identifies implications for County cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
  • Exemplifies the desired culture and philosophy of the organization. Works effectively as a team member with management and office staff. Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Civil IV Deputy County Attorney must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate Degree, be licensed to practice law in the State of Utah (i.e., be a member of the Utah State Bar, in good standing), and have a minimum of six (6) years of civil legal experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The State of Utah is an equal‑opportunity employer. Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations are provided to individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For accommodation information or if you need special accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Human Resources Team at hr@cachecounty.gov.

Veteran’s Preference (Utah Code Ann. 71A‑2‑102). An applicant claiming veteran’s preference must do so by providing sufficient information to identify the type of veteran’s preference requested. Additionally, a copy of the applicant’s DD‑214 must be attached to the resume. If a disabled preference is claimed, a copy of the applicant’s letter from the VA stating the disability percentage granted must also be attached.

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What Cache County employees say

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Cache County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cache County is located in the northern part of Utah and bordered by the Wasatch Mountains on the east and a spur of the Wasatch, the Wellsville Mountains, on the west. We are home to Utah State University and have much to offer in both outdoor recreation and the arts. Our mission is to make sure Cache County remains a great place to live and work so we hire staff that shares that goal. We offer competitive pay, great benefits, and a friendly work environment.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Logan, UT, US

Year founded

1857

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