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First Year Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Employment Litigation Associate

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Direct First-Chair Track: Gain immediate, hands-on deposition, oral advocacy, and motion practice ... No Multi-Year Office Mandates: Highly collaborative firm culture that values in-person development ...

OGC Assistant - Compliance

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Responding to questions from lawyers and support team members in assigned offices regarding KYC ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

OGC Assistant - Compliance

Raleigh, NC ยท Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

Responding to questions from lawyers and support team members in assigned offices regarding KYC ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

OGC Assistant - Compliance

Durham, NC ยท Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

Responding to questions from lawyers and support team members in assigned offices regarding KYC ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

OGC Assistant - Compliance

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Responding to questions from lawyers and support team members in assigned offices regarding KYC ... At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of ...

Junior Paralegal

Morrisville, NC ยท On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

Collaborate with attorneys and other legal professionals within the organization. * Assist legal ... Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage offered * 10 days of paid vacation in the first year, 5 paid ...

Junior Paralegal

Morrisville, NC ยท Hybrid

$38K - $51K/yr

Collaborate with attorneys and other legal professionals within the organization. * Assist legal ... Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage offered * 10 days of paid vacation in the first year, 5 paid ...

Junior Paralegal

Morrisville, NC ยท Hybrid

$38K - $51K/yr

Collaborate with attorneys and other legal professionals within the organization. * Assist legal ... Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage offered * 10 days of paid vacation in the first year, 5 paid ...

C.'s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ... The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation ...

Showing results 21-40

First Year Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$39.4K

$95.6K

$186.6K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Raleigh, NC is $95,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,700.00 and $116,600.00 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 job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for First Year Attorney jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most First Year Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,580 per year, or $46 per hour.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Open and Continuous

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$65K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Summary
This vacancy announcement will remain open until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a periodic basis, with the first review scheduled for April 6, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by this date for full consideration. Additional selections may be made from this announcement as needed.
For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Assistant U.S Attorneys prosecute a wide variety of federal crime, including breaches of national security, child exploitation, public corruption, transnational organized crime, and violent crime. The positions currently being filled will investigate and prosecute cases involving illegal immigration, illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, and targeting the Cartels and Transitional Criminal Organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
This is an open continuous announcement that is intended to continually solicit applications in order to fill immediate and future vacancies. Vacant positions may or may not be available at the time of application. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur and will only remain active for seven (5) months from the date of submission. Applicants will be notified when their applications have been reviewed/referred for further consideration.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
The mission of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina is to pursue justice as we represent the United States in civil and criminal litigation in the most effective and efficient manner possible; to provide leadership in our interaction with all federal, state and local law enforcement and to serve as a liaison between them; and to foster public trust and confidence in law enforcement and the federal judicial system.
Applicants must demonstrate superior analytical ability; have strong research, writing, and courtroom skills; independently exercise fair and sound judgment; follow all Department of Justice and United States Attorney's Office policies; exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and law enforcement agencies; interact professionally and effectively with opposing counsel; handle matters in court persuasively and justly on behalf of the United States of America; commitment to public service and be devoted to excellence
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
United States citizenship is required.
Proof of active bar membership is required.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; situational telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Travel: Occasional travel within and outside the district will be required.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
EEO Statement: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.