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First Year Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lydecker LLP

Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · Hybrid

We are also open to first year attorneys! Newly Texas barred attorneys are welcomed to apply! This is a hybrid position, located in our Houston office. The associate should be admitted to practice in ...

Lydecker LLP

Associate Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

We are also open to first year attorneys! Newly Texas barred attorneys are welcomed to apply! This is a hybrid position, located in our Houston office. The associate should be admitted to practice in ...

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First Year Attorney information

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$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about First Year Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for First Year Attorney jobs? Cities with the most First Year Attorney job openings:
What states have the most First Year Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for First Year Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs are:
First Year Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 5% Full Time, and 90% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney

Lydecker LLP

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position: Associate Attorney
Location: Houston, TX – Hybrid
Position Overview: 
Lydecker is seeking an associate attorney with at least 2 years of experience. We are also open to first year attorneys! Newly Texas barred attorneys are welcomed to apply! This is a hybrid position, located in our Houston office. The associate should be admitted to practice in TX. Under the supervision of a partner, the associate will be handling a variety of cases, including the defense of construction defect and general liability.  If you possess a strong work ethic and want to work in our defense litigation practice group in Houston, TX this may be the opportunity for you!  
Job Requirements:

  • This position requires a TX bar license in good standing.
  • A minimum of JD from an ABA approved law school 
  • A minimum of 2 years of civil defense litigation experience, preferably in construction defect, general liability, bodily injury, premises liability, or products liability.
  • Previous experience should include working on up to 20+ cases at once, attending and defending depositions, taking depositions, appearance in court, motion and discovery drafting; mediation and trial experience a plus but not required
  • Computer skills: Has basic knowledge of computer operation, internet software, spreadsheet software and word processing software; the use of Microsoft products is preferred. Has the ability to type and operate office equipment. 
  • Be self-motivated and a self-starter, work well independently, and possess strong client communication skills
  • Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings when required
  • Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information
  • Temperament: Ability to work with little supervision; prioritizes and anticipates work needs; works well under occasional periods of pressure and short deadlines. 
  • Ethics: Keeps client and firm information confidential at all times; understands and implements general rules of ethical behavior applicable to lawyers

Job Responsibilities:

  • Must be willing and able to bill
  • Draft/review and respond to petitions/complaints, motions, and written discovery 
  • Attend hearings and meetings with clients when requested
  • Prepare for and attend depositions
  • Assist with preparation for mediations and trials

What We Offer:

  • One-on-one mentorship and training by Partners 
  • Salary range depending on depth and years of experience 
  • Quarterly bonuses based on your billable hours
  • Annual performance reviews with potential for sizeable increase in salary
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Flexible work hours 
  • Medical Insurance – Currently provided by Cigna Healthcare with multiple insurance plans to choose from based on your needs – partially paid for by Firm for the employee; All outpatient mental health services are free of charge with no copays
  • Optional Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Optional Voluntary Life and Disability Insurance
  • Optional Voluntary Accident Insurance 
  • Optional Critical Illness Insurance 
  • Optional Cancer Insurance 
  • Optional Hospitalization Insurance 
  • Optional Health Savings Account
  • Optional Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k after one calendar year of employment 
  • Paid time off (PTO) to support your overall well-being
  • Collegial work environment

About Lydecker:
Lydecker is an AV-rated full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys Nationwide! Our firm has earned a strong and positive reputation for its tenacious defense and protection of the best interests of its clients, and for obtaining optimal results. Our long-standing relationships with our clients are grounded in mutual trust and an understanding of each client’s needs and goals.
Vision:
Our vision at Lydecker is to be a trusted partner that redefines excellence in legal services. We envision a future where our innovative approach to client service sets new standards in the legal industry. With a relentless commitment to integrity, collaboration, and excellence, we aspire to be the first choice for clients seeking unparalleled solutions and results. Together, we will shape the future of legal practice, empowering individuals and clients to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Mission Statement:
At Lydecker, our mission is simple: to exceed client expectations with efficient, strategic, and collaborative service. We are dedicated to long-term success for our clients, attorneys, and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
Company Values:
1. Excellence: At Lydecker, we are committed to excellence in all that we do. We strive for the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and innovation in delivering legal services. Our dedication to excellence drives us to continually improve, adapt, and exceed expectations.
2. Integrity: Integrity is the cornerstone of our relationships, both internally and with our clients. We conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior always. Trust is paramount, and we uphold the highest standards of integrity in every interaction, decision, and action we take.
3. Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve greater success. At Lydecker, we foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and support among our attorneys and staff. By working together seamlessly, leveraging diverse perspectives, and sharing knowledge, we maximize our collective talents to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
4. Care: We take care of our people because we genuinely care about each one of them, and we believe that by fostering a culture of care, we can create a more resilient, supportive, and successful organization for all. We show that we care about our employees through employee well-being, professional growth and development, work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.
Why Join Lydecker?  We are a growing national litigation firm built on the traditional values of hard work and taking care of our clients.
Diverse and Inclusive Ownership & Administrative Leadership. We take pride in having a significant portion of our attorneys and administrative leadership being a part of diverse groups. Many of our Firm's Shareholders and Administrative Leadership Team self-identify as historically underrepresented groups such as people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and/or LGBTQIA+.
Career Advancement Prospects. We are sprinting toward growth and invite you to sprint alongside us! Experience swift career progression, hands-on litigation learning, and abundant opportunities for professional development with mentoring from more senior attorneys in small, collaborative practice groups.
Flexible Work-Life Integration. We value your need to have a flexible schedule and work from home and hybrid work opportunities. Enjoy work life balance at our firm.
Extensive Perks. Competitive salaries, quarterly bonus opportunities based on billable hours, paid time off, top-notch medical insurance with no copay for outpatient mental health access, paid parking or commuter benefits, and a robust 401k plan.
To learn more about Lydecker LLP, please visit our website at www.Lydecker.com or visit LinkedIn #LydeckerCareers #LydeckerLife #LydeckerAuthenticDiversity
Lydecker LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Lydecker is not currently accepting resumes or inquiries from outside recruiters or agencies.##