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First Year Attorney Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Anderson Business Advisors

Attorney

Draper, UT · Hybrid

With a focus on providing excellent service, Anderson Business Advisors brings attorneys, CPAs, and ... Recharge and rejuvenate with generous paid time off, including 16 days in the first year and 21 ...

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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 Sep 12, 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 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 Utah?

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

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:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Utah as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,517 per year, or $43 per hour.

Law Clerk - Attorney General's Office - Fall 2026 Semester

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Utah Division of Human Resource Management
See more jobs at Utah Division of Human Resource Managementexternal

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Utah Attorney General's Office invites current law students to apply for clerkship and/or externship opportunities for Fall Semester 2026. Clerkships are paid positions and are not eligible for school credit. Externships are unpaid positions and may be eligible for school credit. To verify school credit eligibility, please speak with your college or university's internship coordinator.


Our law clerks perform a wide variety of tasks such as preparing legal documents, conducting legal analysis, and conducting research. Often, our law clerks will prepare draft opinions for cases that will act as the foundation for lawyers and judges. They will also help during the course of an action by preparing for a case and examining legal documents such as petitions, legal complaints, and affidavits.
Our office has over 20 different divisions - please look over each division's mission through the "areas" section of our website: https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/. The extent of each task will be determined by the division for which the student clerks. Please note that our Investigations Division has no attorneys and is not open for clerkships, but our Justice attorneys prosecute the cases that our office investigates and they do have clerkship opportunities.Law clerks work part-time at a beginning rate of 26/hour for 1st-year law students, 28 for 2nd-year law students, and 30 for 3rd-year law students or recent graduates.

Responsibilities

  • Drafts litigation working documents; prepares documents consisting of concise decisions based upon facts of case interpretations of law and compliance with state and federal standards.
  • Evaluates all the information to determine a case's status.
  • Monitor, track and follow up on documentation, case files or other assignments to ensure appropriate timelines are met and action completed.
  • Prepares cases by conducting legal research and gathering evidence.
  • Reviews cases, applications, files, records, etc., to determine action to be taken.

Apply