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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 ...

Oath

Associate Attorney

Richmond, VA · On-site

Maternity and paternity leave after one year * A culture-driven team where collaboration, respect, and shared purpose come first Who Should Apply This role is for attorneys who want their work to ...

Oath

Associate Attorney

Roanoke, VA · On-site

Maternity and paternity leave after one year * A culture-driven team where collaboration, respect, and shared purpose come first Who Should Apply This role is for attorneys who want their work to ...

Jobot

Associate Litigation Attorney

West Mclean, VA · Hybrid

$125K - $160K/yr

Salary: $125,000 - $160,000 per year A bit about us: ----- We are a well-established and highly ... Hybrid flexibility - After the first 90 days, attorneys may work remotely Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Orion Placement

Family Law Attorney

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$140K - $205K/yr

Pay: $140,000.00 - $205,000.00 per year Why This Is a Great Opportunity * Build a meaningful family ... first firm that values both excellent client outcomes and attorney sustainability. * Handle high ...

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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 Sep 7, 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 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 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
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,487 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Personal Injury Litigation Attorney

Rodriguez Law Firm

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Personal Injury Litigation AttorneY

Rodriguez Law Firm, PLLC

Tysons, Virginia

In person position (not remote nor hybrid)

Rodriguez Law Firm is one of the fastest-growing plaintiff’s personal injury firms on the East Coast. We are looking for an experienced Personal Injury Litigation Attorney to join our litigation team.

We are looking for an attorney who has real courtroom experience and can independently handle personal injury cases from filing through trial. Your experience can be on the plaintiff or defense side. What matters is that you understand personal injury litigation and have actually tried cases before a jury.

What we’re looking for

  • At least 5 first-chair jury trials to verdict involving personal injury cases, either plaintiff or defense
  • Must currently be licensed and in good standing in Virginia or Maryland
  • Must become licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. within one year of joining the firm
  • Significant personal injury litigation experience
  • Ability to independently manage cases from filing through trial
  • Strong experience with depositions, discovery, motions, experts, mediation, and settlement negotiations
  • Strong courtroom and jury trial skills
  • Good judgment when evaluating liability, damages, case value, and litigation strategy
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Plaintiff’s personal injury experience is preferred, but experienced insurance defense attorneys with personal injury trial experience are encouraged to apply

What you’ll do

You will manage personal injury cases in litigation from filing through resolution or trial.

You will develop litigation strategy, take and defend depositions, handle discovery and motions, work with medical and other expert witnesses, conduct mediations and settlement negotiations, prepare cases for trial, and serve as first-chair trial counsel.

We want attorneys who know how to properly prepare a case and are willing to take it to a jury when the insurance company refuses to offer fair value.

Compensation

We offer competitive market-rate compensation plus quarterly performance bonuses.

Attorneys meeting expected performance targets should reasonably expect to earn approximately $200,000 or more in total compensation during their first year.

Above-average performers can earn more than $250,000 in their first year, with additional upside for exceptional performance and results.

Our compensation structure rewards production and results while giving attorneys the resources and support they need to succeed.

Why Rodriguez Law Firm

Our attorneys have access to a strong pipeline of personal injury cases, experienced paralegals and litigation support, modern technology and AI tools, and the resources necessary to properly develop and try cases.

We are continuing to expand our litigation practice and are looking for trial attorneys who want the opportunity to grow professionally and financially with the firm.

Location: Tysons, Virginia

To apply confidentially, send your résumé, salary expectation and a brief summary of your first-chair personal injury jury trial experience to:

dago@rlf.legal

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