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

Jackson Lewis P.C.

2027 Summer Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

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 ...

AVE Staffing

Litigation Associate

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$180K - $220K/yr

Complex Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney Location: Raleigh, NC (On-site / Hybrid) Salary ... Function as first-chair advocate in depositions, evidentiary hearings, and oral arguments ...

Aprio

Senior Associate, Tax Controversy

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$70K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... attorney * Previous experience in tax controversy, tax compliance, or a similar role is preferred ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team $70,000 - $133,500 a year The salary range for ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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 Aug 16, 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 are popular job titles related to First Year Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For First Year Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
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.

Loan Underwriter I

State Employees' Credit Union

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

State Employees' Credit Union (North Carolina) rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

If you are motivated and believe in the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," join our team!
Position Overview:
Responsible for the comprehensive underwriting and final approval of mortgage and HELOC loan files within the Real Estate Lending department. This role evaluates borrower creditworthiness, reviews and verifies required documentation, and ensures all loan decisions comply with credit union policies, secondary market guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Loan Underwriter I serves as a key resource to branch personnel and the loan processing team, supporting efficient and accurate real estate lending operations.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • (40%) Perform comprehensive underwriting of first mortgage and HELOC loan files, including review, and verification of sales contracts, appraisals, flood certificates, income documents, insurance documentation, asset statements, credit reports, and title reports, and all other loan documentation as required, in accordance with established credit union policies, procedures, and secondary market guidelines.
  • (20%) Independently assess applicant creditworthiness, ability to repay, and collateral valuation; provide final clear to close approval of real estate loan files while communicating decisions clearly and professionally to other members of the lending staff.
  • (15%) Document and communicate outstanding loan conditions to the loan processing team and closing stipulations to the loan closing team, ensuring timely and accurate progression of loan files through the pipeline.
  • (15%) Respond to phone calls and emails from internal department personnel addressing real estate questions and concerns; coordinate with processors, closers, attorneys, title companies, and other parties to facilitate smooth loan processing.
  • (10%) Maintain current knowledge of credit union policies and procedures through ongoing training to ensure underwriting decisions reflect the latest guidelines and regulatory standards.

Required Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):
  • Four-year degree, CCUE Certification, or associate degree via the North Carolina College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in mortgage lending, direct underwriting experience.
  • Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, along with active listening.
  • Must be able to communicate with branch personnel and leaders, members, real estate agents, attorneys, insurance agents, and other SECU departments.
  • Strong networking and relationship development skills.
  • Meets compliance and regulatory standards.
  • Meet personal/team qualitative and quantitative targets.
  • Must be able to speak English fluently.
  • Must understand and be dedicated to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
  • Must adhere to the work schedule and attendance policies established by the Credit Union

Preferred Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):
  • Four-year degree
  • 2-5 years of experience in mortgage lending, direct underwriting experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of GSE secondary market guidelines and various NC down payment assistance programs as related to underwriting, including but not limited to FHLBA and NCHFA.
  • Experience with MortgageBot, Encompass, or other loan origination systems
  • Certified Residential Underwriter designation or Residential Loan Processor Certificate

Job Environment & Physical Requirements:
  • Primarily remote settings with a dedicated quiet work environment to make and receive phone calls. Some office setting work may be required with physical proximity to other employees and background noise.
  • Use hands and fingers to press keys on a computer keyboard to enter or retrieve information.
  • Use hands and fingers to press telephone keypad and lift telephone receiver.
  • Must be able to comprehend and complete job demands.
  • Must be able to comprehend phone calls.

SECU provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.
Disclaimer
State Employees' Credit Union reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower level based on business need.

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