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First Year Attorney Jobs in Boca Raton, FL (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... Attorney with expertise and confidence in Litigation! Join our growing law firm in Boca Raton, FL ... year + additional annual incentives. We require the first 30 days to be in-office for proper ...

... putting clients first. You'll find a supportive, inclusive work environment that fosters ... A generous number of vacation days each year. At Rossen Law Firm, we're more than just a team of ...

Showing results 21-40

First Year Attorney information

See Boca Raton, FL salary details

$38.4K

$93.3K

$182.2K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Boca Raton, FL is $93,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $113,900.00 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 cities near Boca Raton, FL are hiring for First Year Attorney jobs?

Cities near Boca Raton, FL with the most First Year Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Boca Raton, FL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,312 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL-DLA - 41000532

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

State of Florida
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Requisition No: 880683 

Agency: Office of the Attorney General

Working Title: ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL-DLA - 41000532

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 41000532 

Salary:  $83,522.92 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 09/12/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

This is a re-advertisement. Prior applicants need not re-apply

Our Organization and Mission: The Office represents the State of Florida in state and federal civil and criminal courts, from trial courts to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

Position Summary: This Assistant Attorney General position is in the Office of the Attorney General within the General Civil Litigation unit in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Pay: $83,522.92 Annually

Qualifications: 

Admission to the Florida Bar and two years of professional experience in the practice of law, legal research, teaching law or in administrative or judicial hearings. The required legal experience must be from the practice of law in a state or territory of the United States. Membership in good standing in another state Bar can substitute for the required admission to the Florida Bar provided that, pursuant to Rule 11-1.10 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, the attorney applies for and obtains admission to the Florida Bar within 12 months of appointment to a position in this class.

The Work You Will Do: The responsibilities of this position are included, but are not limited to the following: 

  • This position requires as a prerequisite to employment a degree of Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and membership in the Florida Bar.
  • Prosecute and defend civil litigation on behalf of state agencies and officials in all federal and state trial and appellate courts, as requested and as provided by law. 
  • Handle settlement negotiations, pleadings, pre-trial, jury and non-jury trials, post-trial and appellate practice. 
  • Exercise a thorough working knowledge of federal and state rules of civil procedure, evidence and substantive law. 
  • Requires the ability to research and work independently and involves travel in and out of state. 
  • The assistant attorney general is responsible for the more sensitive and complex cases, including class action lawsuits, which deal with the Governor and Cabinet, legislators, agency heads, prosecutors, public defenders and judges. 
  • These cases frequently have statewide impact and influence the policy direction of state government. 
  • These cases frequently involve emergencies regarding matters of great public importance where response time is minimal and demands are great.
  • The assistant attorney general is responsible for cases involving constitutional law, civil rights, torts, employment discrimination, elections, environmental law, etc. 
  • This office relies on the experience and leadership of assistant attorneys general to provide guidance to the younger attorneys in the office.
  • Research and draft motions, answers, replies, interrogatories, memoranda, briefs, opinions, orders and other miscellaneous pleadings and documents.
  • Attend trials, hearings and appellate oral arguments in court and appear before agency boards and legislative committees. 
  • Performs investigations and all aspects of discovery.
  • Perform routine administrative matter, including supervising attorneys, legal secretaries, paralegals, and interns; attending staff meetings; preparing travel vouchers, time records and case status reports; filing documents, etc. Assist and advise entry attorneys in trial, pleading, practice, procedure, performances, and recommend hiring, retention and promotion. Respond to inquiries from the public.

Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.

  • Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
  • Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.
  • Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. 
  • It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history.
  • If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.  

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

  • Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
  • Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
  • State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
  • Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition waivers.
  • And more! For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: To be considered for the position, all applicants must:

Submit a complete and accurate application profile necessary for qualifying such as dates of service, reason for leaving, etc. In addition, all applicants must ensure all employment and/or detailed information about work experience is listed on the application (including military service, self-employment, job-related volunteer work, internships, etc.) and that gaps in employment are explained. 

 

NOTE: Any required experience and/or preferences listed in the advertisement must be verified at the time of application.

  • Ensure that applicant responses to qualifying questions are verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the employment application and/or resume. Applicants who do not respond to the qualifying questions will not be considered for this position.
  • The elements of the selection process may include a skill assessment exercise. 
  • Current and future vacancies may be filled from this advertisement for a period of up to six months. Following the six-month period, a new application must be submitted to an open advertisement to be considered for that vacancy.
  • OAG employees are paid biweekly. All state employees are required to participate in the direct deposit program pursuant to s. 110.113, F.S.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS/ DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: All OAG positions are "sensitive or special trust" and require favorable results on a background investigation including fingerprinting, pursuant to s. 110.1127(2)(a), F.S. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free Workplace, all employees are subject to reasonable suspicion or other drug testing in accordance with section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. We hire only U.S. citizens and those lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

E-VERIFY STATEMENT: The Office of the Attorney General participates in the U.S. government’s employment eligibility verification program (e-verify). E-verify is a program that electronically confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States after completion of the employment eligibility verification form (i-9).

PERSONS WITH DISABILITY/ADA STATEMENT: The OAG supports the employment of individuals with disabilities and encourages them to seek employment within our agency. If you need an accommodation because of a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in order to participate in the application process, please notify the people first service center at 877-562-7287. If you need an accommodation during the selection process, please notify the hiring authority in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

REMINDERS: Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website at: https: //www.sss.gov. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. If you return to FRS employment before satisfying the required waiting period, your retirement may be voided, and you may have to repay all benefits you have received, including any Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) payout.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.