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First Year Attorney Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Will Prep, Living Trust, Healthcare Directives, Power of Attorney Identity Theft Assistance ... out program after 1st year Generous Sick and Safe accrued time off program Paid Holidays Paid ...

Will Prep, Living Trust, Healthcare Directives, Power of Attorney Identity Theft Assistance ... out program after 1st year Generous Sick and Safe accrued time off program Paid Holidays Paid ...

Will Prep, Living Trust, Healthcare Directives, Power of Attorney • Identity Theft Assistance ... after 1st year • Generous Sick and Safe accrued time off program • Paid Holidays • Paid ...

Will Prep, Living Trust, Healthcare Directives, Power of Attorney • Identity Theft Assistance ... after 1st year • Generous Sick and Safe accrued time off program • Paid Holidays • Paid ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 19, 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 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:

Energy & Climate Solutions Associate (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) - Salt Lake City

Direct Counsel

Salt Lake City, UT

$310K - $435K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Energy & Climate Solutions Associate – Engineering, Procurement & Construction
Locations: San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New York, Salt Lake City, Boston
Compensation: $310,000–$435,000 + Bonus + Full Benefits

Direct Counsel represents a leading Am Law firm seeking an Energy & Climate Solutions Associate or Counsel with 4–8 years of experience in engineering and construction law matters and commercial procurement contracts related to energy and infrastructure project development.

About the Practice Group

The firm’s Energy & Climate Solutions (ECS) Group is a dynamic, mission-driven practice focused on cutting-edge energy transition and infrastructure projects. Attorneys have the opportunity to work on complex, innovative, and often first-of-their-kind matters across the rapidly evolving energy and climate landscape.

The group advises clients on projects involving:

  • Solar PV and solar + storage
  • Stand-alone battery storage
  • Wind and geothermal
  • Nuclear energy
  • Carbon capture, direct air capture, and carbon removal
  • Biomass and renewable fuels
  • EV charging infrastructure
  • Hydrogen, fuel cells, renewable chemicals, data centers, and transmission projects
About the Role

The selected attorney will advise clients on sophisticated energy and infrastructure development matters, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements and commercial contracting.

Responsibilities include:

  • Drafting and negotiating EPC agreements and related project development contracts
  • Advising clients on procurement strategies and commercial agreements
  • Supporting complex energy, infrastructure, and climate technology projects
  • Collaborating with attorneys across project finance, corporate, regulatory, and transactional practices
  • Managing client relationships and supporting innovative industry solutions
Qualifications
  • 4–8 years of experience in engineering, construction law, and commercial procurement matters
  • Experience with energy, infrastructure, or project development transactions preferred
  • Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage sophisticated matters in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary range: $310,000–$435,000 based on experience/class year
  • Discretionary merit bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, retirement benefits, wellness programs, paid parental leave, family-building benefits, disability coverage, CLE support, and additional employee resources

Direct Counsel connects exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and organizations.