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First Year Law Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE NIXON LAW PRACTICE

Family Law Attorney

Fresno, CA · On-site

$75 - $125/hr

After your first year, you may be eligible for a substantial hourly increase * Bonus Structure ... Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated Family Law Associate Attorney with a minimum of one year of ...

THE NIXON LAW PRACTICE

Family Law Attorney

Fresno, CA · On-site

$75 - $125/hr

After your first year, you may be eligible for a substantial hourly increase * Bonus Structure ... Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated Family Law Associate Attorney with a minimum of one year of ...

Baker McKenzie

First Year Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$225K/yr

As the first global law firm, our origins are rooted in the respect for and appreciation of different cultures and the contribution of the entire team. We are onboarding all First Year Associates ...

Vogel Law

Summer Associate // Fargo, ND

Fargo, ND · On-site

Our firm invites applications from second-year law students for 2027 Summer Associate positions. First-year students are also welcome to apply; however, applications will only be considered once ...

Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC

Law Clerk

Columbus, OH · On-site

Description Kisling, Nestico & Redick is one of the largest personal injury law firms in Ohio We are currently seeking first, second or third year law students for part-time Law Clerk positions at ...

Kisling, Nestico & Redick

Law Clerk

Columbus, OH · On-site

Job Type Part-time Description Kisling, Nestico & Redick is one of the largest personal injury law firms in Ohio We are currently seeking first, second or third year law students for part-time Law ...

The Halks Firm

Family Law Associate

Newton Upper Falls, MA · On-site

$147K - $163K/yr

... an associate attorney with a minimum of 3 years handling contested family law cases. Ideal ... Starting at $147,000 to 163,000 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health ...

Recruiting For Less

Family Law Associate

Whippany, NJ · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Our Whippany NJ client is seeking skilled Family Law Associate. Responsibilities: * Represent ... Willingness to go the extra mile to ensure tasks are completed accurately on the first attempt is ...

Aionios LLC

Family Law Associate

Concord, NC · Hybrid

$95K - $125K/yr

... Law Associate Attorney to join its practice. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney who enjoys ... A compassionate, client-centered approach and a collaborative, team-first mindset Why This Role ...

Kisling, Nestico & Redick

Law Clerk

Columbus, OH · On-site

Kisling, Nestico & Redick is one of the largest personal injury law firms in Ohio We are currently seeking first, second or third year law students for part-time Law Clerk positions at our Columbus ...

New

Hand Arendall LLC

Summer Associate

Mobile, AL · On-site

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale is accepting applications for summer associate positions based in any ... First-year or second-year law student currently attending an ABA accredited law school * Strong ...

The Halks Firm

Family Law Associate

Newton Upper Falls, MA · On-site

$147K - $163K/yr

... an associate attorney with a minimum of 3 years handling contested family law cases. Ideal ... Starting at $147,000 to 163,000 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health ...

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First Year Law Associate information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do first year law associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year law associate in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do 1st year big law associates make?

First-year law associates at large law firms typically earn starting salaries ranging from $190,000 to $215,000 annually, depending on the firm and location. These salaries are often complemented by bonuses and benefits, and associates are usually expected to work long hours and develop strong legal research and writing skills.

What are some common challenges faced by first year law associates, and how can they overcome them?

First year law associates often face challenges like managing heavy workloads, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm. Balancing multiple assignments from different partners and learning the firm's expectations can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, it's crucial to communicate proactively with supervisors, seek feedback, and prioritize tasks effectively. Building strong organizational habits and taking advantage of mentorship opportunities can also help associates adjust and thrive in their new roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Year Law Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Law Associate, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and citation tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, time management, and attention to detail help associates work effectively with supervising attorneys and clients. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and building a strong foundation for a successful legal career.

Can I work during my first year of law school?

First Year Law Associates typically focus on completing their legal education and may have limited opportunities to work during their first year of law school. However, some students work part-time in legal clinics, internships, or research assistant positions that accommodate their academic schedule and meet licensing or certification requirements. It is important to balance work with study commitments to succeed in law school and meet licensing standards upon graduation.

What jobs can I get with an associate's degree in law?

An associate's degree in law can qualify individuals for roles such as legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary, which involve supporting attorneys with research, document preparation, and case management. These positions typically require strong organizational skills and familiarity with legal software but do not require a law license or extensive legal training.

What do first year associates at law firms do?

First year law associates at law firms typically conduct legal research, draft documents, review case files, and assist with trial preparation under supervision. They often handle routine tasks to develop their legal skills and gain experience in various practice areas.

What is a First Year Law Associate?

A First Year Law Associate is an entry-level attorney who has recently graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. They typically work at law firms, assisting senior attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, attending meetings, and supporting case preparation. First Year Associates are often assigned to a specific practice area, such as litigation or corporate law, and spend their first year learning firm procedures and developing practical legal skills. This role is foundational for building a legal career, offering mentorship and hands-on experience.
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First Year Law Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Year Law Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.
Academic Success Mgr Law School

Academic Success Mgr Law School

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

Other

Posted 22 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Student and Career Services Office (SCSO) at the University of New Mexico School of Law seeks an Academic Success Manager for the summer to assist with updating the SCSO's resources for use to academically guide law students through first year law courses and in the development of legal study skills to become excellent lawyers who will enrich and service local, state, tribal, and other communities. This position reports to the Director of Student and Career Services and serves as an academic success manager, who will improve students' academic performance by updating the SCSO's resources. Main duties include:

        Research current legal academic resources for academic success guidance on first year law courses and legal writing;

        Gather resources to use as guidance to improve students' academic success;

        Develop packets or plans based upon updated resources for SCSO Director and Director of Academic Success to use in sessions with law students.

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