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First Year Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Latham & Watkins LLP

Innovation Attorney

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

About the Role The Innovation Attorney is an integral part of Latham's Technology & Information ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

O'Flaherty Law

Be Seen First

Family Law Attorney (Hybrid Available) - 3 yr Exp Required

Naperville, IL · On-site

$92K - $150K/yr

... 401k after first year * 15 days of PTO * 10% commission on billing originated by attorney ... Achievable bonus structure starting at $26,000.00 per year for hitting base targets Company ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Intake Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $77K/yr

Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including ... Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment * 19 paid ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Intake Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including ... Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment * 19 paid ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including ... Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment * 19 paid ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $77K/yr

Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including ... Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment * 19 paid ...

Legal Aid Chicago

Staff Attorney - Housing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including ... Time Off: 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment * 19 paid ...

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All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL

First Year Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.7K

$101.3K

$197.8K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Chicago, IL is $101,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $123,600.00 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 Chicago, IL?

For First Year Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,374 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Associate Attorney (Coverage)

Litchfield Cavo LLP

Chicago, IL • On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

 

Our Chicago office is growing and actively seeking an Insurance Coverage Attorney interested in growing his/her career among our team of staff and attorneys, who value and foster open and honest communication, and act with integrity and professionalism.

Litchfield Cavo offers a competitive compensation plan and an excellent benefits package in a dynamic work environment that provides substantial opportunities for professional development. The salary range of $140K - $170K is commensurate with experience for the 4 or more year attorney.

 

OPPORTUNITY | Associate Attorney

Litchfield Cavo seeks a highly-motivated Associate Attorney with at least five years’ experience in the defense of insurance coverage and/or the insurance industry. Must be licensed to practice in Illinois courts. Additional admission in Indiana is strongly preferred. This is an exceptional opportunity to grow with a dynamic team of lawyers handling files for insurers across the United States for a variety of clients in a forward-thinking firm.

 

SKILLS and ABILITIES

The individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

· practice law in the state of Illinois and, preferably, Indiana;

· manage multiple case files successfully in a busy environment;

· demonstrate strong legal research and analytical skills;

· excellent written and verbal communication skills;

· strong attention to detail with superb organization and prioritization skills;

· ability to move from case to case efficiently; and,

· knowledge of both state and federal court procedures.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include handling a substantial caseload of insurance coverage files. The following are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to do this job successfully under the direction of a partner:

· draft, prepare and handle coverage opinion letters and coverage position letters on first- and third-party insurance files;

· draft and respond to complex, dispositive motions;

· conduct legal research competently and with proficiency;

· prepare and take depositions and interviews of parties and experts;

· review client documents, draft evaluations and status report correspondence; and,

· assist with and participate in mediations and court appearances;

The firm provides an experienced support staff, current technology, ongoing training, and full-time IT and marketing departments.

Litchfield Cavo LLP supports and encourages workforce diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class in accordance with all applicable laws.

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