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First Year Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Raftelis

County Attorney

Orange, VA · On-site

Priorities The next County Attorney should be prepared to focus on the following priorities in the first year and beyond: * Build trust and credibility with the Board of Supervisors, the County ...

Raftelis

County Attorney

Orange, VA · On-site

Priorities The next County Attorney should be prepared to focus on the following priorities in the first year and beyond: * Build trust and credibility with the Board of Supervisors, the County ...

Flora Pettit

Family Law Attorney

Charlottesville, VA

$90K - $130K/yr

... litigation including first chair responsibilities, be able to work with other attorneys and ... Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Flexible spending ...

Attorney | ICE

Paralegal Specialist

Annandale, VA · On-site

$43K/yr

... first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. Minimum ... Assisting attorney's in case preparation by analyzing facts and legal questions; * Classifying and ...

Attorney | ICE

Paralegal Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$43K/yr

... first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. Minimum ... Assisting attorney's in case preparation by analyzing facts and legal questions; * Classifying and ...

Blaszkow Legal Pllc

Associate Attorney

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

We are looking for an excellent candidate to join our team as an experienced Associate Attorney. A ... first-year total compensation has consistently ranged from approximately $135,000 to $180,000 ...

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All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Virginia

First Year Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$97.5K

$190.4K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Virginia is $97,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $119,000.00 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 Virginia? For First Year Attorney jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Virginia are:
First Year Attorney jobs near you
Insurance Defense Attorney - Bodily Injury

Insurance Defense Attorney - Bodily Injury

Progressive

Newport News, VA • Hybrid

$133K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Progressive Insurance rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 590 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 281 rated insurance

Job description

Progressive is dedicated to helping employees move forward and live fully in their careers. Your journey has already begun. Apply today and take the first step to Destination: Progress. 
 
As an insurance defense attorney within our bodily injury (BI) unit, you’ll be a part of our motor vehicle insurance defense litigation team, providing legal representation to Progressive insureds and/or to the Progressive Insurance Companies before courts and arbitration panels in all aspects of litigation. Handling cases from beginning to end, you’ll also prepare legal pleadings, motions, statements, trial briefs and be involved in negotiating settlements. Additionally, you’ll work closely with clients and claims partners to prepare timely reports on litigation, ensuring all appropriate defenses are leveraged to reach positive outcomes. Other tasks will include analyzing written discovery, depositions, medical records and assessing the value of claims to determine risk exposure.
 
This is a hybrid position with occasional travel to an office for meetings and/or training. Candidates must live within driving distance of the office they support.   

Must-have qualifications 
  • Juris doctor degree or Master of Laws (LLM)
  • Admitted to practice law in the state of Virginia
Compensation  
  • Attorney I: $97,735 - $108,500/year
  • Attorney II: $133,679 - $146,900/year
  • Gainshare annual cash incentive payment up to 30% or 40% of your eligible earnings based on company performance
 Benefits  
  • 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%
  • Medical, dental & vision, including free preventative care
  • Wellness & mental health programs
  • Health care flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, & life insurance
  • Paid time off, including volunteer time off 
  • Paid & unpaid sick leave where applicable, as well as short & long-term disability
  • Parental & family leave; military leave & pay
  • Diverse, inclusive & welcoming culture with Employee Resource Groups
  • Career development & tuition assistance
Energage recognizes Progressive as a 2025 Top Workplace for: Innovation, Purposes & Values, Work-Life Flexibility, Compensation & Benefits, and Leadership. 
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
 
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without the need or potential need, of current or future sponsorship for employment. Progressive does not hire candidates with (e.g., F-1 CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN) statuses for this role.
 
For ideas about how you might be able to protect yourself from job scams, visit our scam-awareness page at https://www.progressive.com/careers/how-we-hire/faq/job-scams/ 

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