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First Year Attorney Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Commercial Attorney

Columbia, SC · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Salary: $180,000 - $220,000 per year A bit about us: ----- We're a multi-office South Carolina ... Reasonable, client-first culture with support staff that knows real estate closings * Competitive ...

Truist

Retail Mortgage Loan Originator

Columbia, SC · On-site

... attorney, or appraiser document follow-up as determined through quality control or post-closing ... first year of employment, along with 10 sick days (also prorated), and paid holidays. For more ...

Ogletree Deakins

Site Support Specialist

Columbia, SC · On-site

... 1st and 2nd level technology support for attorneys and staff on a variety of hardware and software ... Four-year technical degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

Brock & Scott

Foreclosure Legal Assistant

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Our attorneys and staff drive solutions that create value and results to achieve client goals and ... interests first. EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified ...

Department of Justice

Paralegal Specialist

Columbia, SC · On-site

$61K/yr

The United States Attorney's Office for South Carolina's mission is to investigate, prosecute and ... first full year may be used in this calculation). (You must submit transcripts.) To qualify at the ...

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All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Columbia, SC

First Year Attorney information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$37.5K

$91K

$177.6K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Columbia, SC is $90,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $111,000.00 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 Columbia, SC?

For First Year Attorney jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Columbia, SC are:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,969 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Trial Attorney (Plaintiff Personal Injury) 1st Chair

Orion Placement

Columbia, SC • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Meet with clients, earn trust quickly, and guide them through litigation with empathy and clarity

  • Own plaintiff PI cases from pre-suit through trial, including evaluation, strategy, and case development

  • Prepare cases for trial, including discovery strategy, motion practice, deposition planning, and expert coordination

Job description

Pay: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • True trial-forward plaintiff PI role where your courtroom experience is valued and utilized
  • Handle meaningful cases and make a real impact for injured clients and their families
  • Strong compensation with bonus potential and upside for highly experienced trial attorneys
  • Work with a well-resourced platform that supports attorneys with process, volume, and infrastructure
  • Long-term growth opportunity within a firm that continues expanding nationally

Location:Full-time openings on-site in Newark, New Jersey or Columbia, South Carolina. You'll be based in one of these offices and handle local matters in that jurisdiction.

Note:Must be licensed and in good standing in the state where you will be located (New Jersey Bar for Newark or South Carolina Bar for Columbia). Must have 5+ years of plaintiff personal injury experience and at least 5 personal injury trials as first chair.

About Us

We're a national plaintiff-side law firm built around high standards, strong advocacy, and treating clients with the compassion they deserve. Our attorneys are trusted to lead cases with urgency, professionalism, and results-driven strategy from day one. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Meet with clients, earn trust quickly, and guide them through litigation with empathy and clarity
  • Own plaintiff PI cases from pre-suit through trial, including evaluation, strategy, and case development
  • Prepare cases for trial, including discovery strategy, motion practice, deposition planning, and expert coordination
  • Take and defend key depositions and drive case momentum toward resolution or verdict
  • Negotiate with carriers and defense counsel, and communicate case status, demands, offers, and settlement posture
  • Try cases when appropriate and represent clients in hearings and other court appearances as needed
  • Collaborate closely with support staff and other attorneys to keep files moving efficiently and professionally

Qualifications

  • JD from an accredited law school
  • 5+ years of plaintiff personal injury experience
  • Minimum 5 PI trials as first chair
  • Active bar membership in New Jersey or South Carolina (depending on office location), in good standing
  • Strong claim evaluation and negotiation skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proactive, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus

Why You Will Love Working Here

You'll be trusted to lead, supported by a team that knows how to move cases, and backed by a platform that provides resources and stability. If you want a role where your trial ability actually matters and your work changes outcomes for real people, this is it.

JPC-894

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance