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First Year Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

WizeHire, Inc

Personal Injury Attorney

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130 - $140/hr

Minimum 2 first-chair jury or bench trials taken to verdict * Ability to manage a high-volume ... year of continuous employment) * Five-state licensing footprint: Virginia, Maryland, DC, New York ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

City of Colonial Heights, VA

Colonial Heights, VA • On-site

$74K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary: $74,603.00 - $90,000.00 Annually
Location : City of Colonial Heights, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 37-26
Department: Commonwealth's Attorney
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
All applications received during the recruitment period will be forwarded to thehiring department for review and consideration.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney: Performs professional and administrative work in preparing and trying cases for the Commonwealth's Attorney Office.
** This position is fully funded by the City and is not a part of the Comp Board. *
Examples of Duties
  • Gathers evidence and prepares and tries cases before the courts.
  • Prosecutes misdemeanor and felony cases in GDC, JDR, and Circuit Court; office does vertical prosecution on cases assigned.
  • Prepares briefs on appealed cases to the Court of Appeals and VA Supreme Court.
  • Prepares, drafts and reviews opinions and other legal documents.
  • Provides advice and counsel to departments to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
  • Assists in community outreach programs.
  • Performs legal research.
  • Addresses public and professional inquiries.
  • Other duties as assigned/required by the Commonwealth Attorney or his Deputy.

Education & Experience
  • A Juris Doctorate Degree; graduation from an accredited law school.
  • Must be admitted to the Virginia State Bar and be in good standing.
  • Must successfully pass a criminal background and DMV check.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's license.
  • Knowledge of general and governmental law; of local, state, and federal laws and regulations; and of legal proceedings.
  • Considerable skill in maintaining detailed records; in research and writing; in conducting presentations; in developing court case exhibits; and in gathering factual information.
  • Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of complex legal problems.
  • Ability to prosecute a variety of cases.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to analyze information and develop probably justifications; and have good professional judgment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, law enforcement, and the general public.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The work is generally performed in an office environment. Typically, the employee may sit to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, stooping, carrying of light items such as papers, books, or small parts, or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts, which require normal safety precautions. Use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals are minimally required.
Full-Time Employee Benefits:
Health Insurance -
  • The Local Choice Program (Anthem, Delta Dental, and Blue Vision).
  • Health, Dental, and Vision benefits are included as a package under our health insurance program and cannot be purchased as separate coverage items.
  • Health insurance benefits start on the 1st of the month following the hire date.
  • Benefit Summaries

Retirement -
Supplemental Retirement -
  • We offer supplemental Retirement plans through Mission Square Retirement.
  • Employees can enroll in the following plans at any time during their employment.

Paid Holiday Leave
  • The city observes 14 holidays throughout the year (except certain departments if scheduling does not permit).

Paid Vacation Leave
Years of Service
Day(s) Earned
Per Month
Max. Annual
Accrual Days
Max. Days for
Carry Forward
0 - 5 Years
1
12
24
Over 5 Years
1¼
15
30
Over 10 Years
1½
18
36
Over 20 Years
1¾
21
42
Paid Sick Leave
  • All full-time employees earn (1¼) days of paid sick leave for each calendar month of employment and is accumulated without limit.

Compensatory Leave
  • Non-Exempt employees may accumulate compensatory leave only for overtime worked which is authorized prior to the performance of such work. Compensatory leave may be accumulated at the rate of 1 1/2 times the regular rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 during a work week. Compensatory leave for nonexempt employees is voluntary but in no instance may exceed 120 hours of accumulated leave. All hours in excess of 120 hours will be compensated on the same basis as approved overtime.

Voluntary Benefits -
  • Employees have 30 days from their hire date to enroll in the following benefits. If an employee does not enroll, they cannot enroll until the next Open Enrollment.

Colonial Life Products
Pre-Tax:
Post Tax:
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Critical Illness
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Disability
Cancer
Term Life
Accident
Whole Life
Medical Bridge
Student Loan Forgiveness Program
* Note: Employees can only enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA) during Open Enrollment in May of each year. *
Other Benefits
  • Bi-weekly payday
  • Virginia Credit Union membership
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • City Sick Leave Bank Program (VRS Plan 1 and Plan 2 Members only)
  • VRS Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (VRS Hybrid Members only)
  • Education/tuition discounts through Liberty University

For additional information or more details about employee benefits please call the Human Resources Department at (804) 518-5073.
01
As part of the application process, you must submit your resume (Word or PDF format) as an attachment to your application. Did you upload your resume to your application?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you been admitted to the Virginia State Bar?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Please list your Professional Reference #1 (Name, Company, Job Title, Phone Number).
06
Please list your Professional Reference #2 (Name, Company, Job Title, Phone Number).
07
Please list your Professional Reference #3 (Name, Company, Job Title, Phone Number).
08
What is your annual salary expectation for the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Position?
Required Question

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