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First Year Law Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boutique Recruiting

Family Law Associate

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Family Law Associate Salary Range: $120,000-$220,000 DOE A respected family law firm in El Segundo ... At least one year of recent family law experience * Demonstrated commitment to building a long-term ...

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 ...

Vogel Law

Summer Associate // Fargo, ND

Fargo, ND

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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$108.2K

$172.5K

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

As of Aug 3, 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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What cities are hiring for First Year Law Associate jobs? Cities with the most First Year Law Associate job openings:
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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, 69% Full Time, 28% 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.

Family Law Associate

Boutique Recruiting

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Family Law Associate
Salary Range: $120,000-$220,000 DOE
A respected family law firm in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Family Law Associate to manage complex matters involving divorce, child custody, and spousal support. This role offers meaningful courtroom exposure, direct client relationships, ownership of an active caseload, and hands-on experience handling discovery, motions, negotiations, and trials.
The ideal candidate is a confident, responsive, and self-motivated attorney who is committed to family law, writes exceptionally well, and can manage sensitive client relationships with professionalism and empathy.
Family Law Associate Responsibilities:
  • Manage an independent caseload of approximately 20 family law matters once fully ramped up
  • Handle cases involving divorce, child custody, spousal support, and other family law issues
  • Conduct discovery and manage all related deadlines, documentation, and case strategy
  • Draft motions, pleadings, correspondence, and other legal documents
  • Appear in court and confidently advocate for clients
  • Argue motions and participate as second chair during trials
  • Negotiate settlements and work toward practical, client-centered resolutions
  • Maintain direct and consistent communication with clients
  • Answer client questions clearly, confidently, and compassionately
  • Manage sensitive and emotionally complex client relationships
  • Take ownership of cases while collaborating with attorneys, paralegals, and firm leadership
  • Balance multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities
  • Meet an annual billable hour goal of 1,600 hours
  • Participate in professional organizations, community activities, boards, or committees

Family Law Associate Requirements:
  • Active California Bar license
  • At least two years of legal experience, with four to six years preferred
  • At least one year of recent family law experience
  • Demonstrated commitment to building a long-term career in family law
  • Strong legal research, analytical, and motion-writing skills
  • Willingness and genuine desire to make court appearances
  • Confidence managing clients and responding to complex or sensitive questions
  • Ability to independently manage cases from discovery through resolution
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Friendly, responsive, proactive, and accountable work style
  • Polished communication skills and a professional client presence
  • Interest in becoming involved in the legal community through boards, committees, or professional organizations
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Experience with Clio and Westlaw preferred
  • Candidates with family law clerkship experience who transitioned into another practice area will be considered if they demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to family law
  • South Bay residency preferred

Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of employee-only premiums covered after 60 days
  • 401(k) with a profit-sharing contribution of approximately 3%-6%, depending on firm performance, after one year
  • Discretionary annual bonus based on billable hours, client origination, community involvement, professional goodwill, licenses, and committee or board participation
  • Unlimited vacation with prior approval, provided caseload and billable expectations are met
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Paid parking
  • Continuing legal education support
  • Flexible daily start time
  • Hybrid work opportunity after training

Join a collaborative, positive, and established team where you will gain real ownership of your cases, build substantial courtroom experience, and develop into a trusted family law advocate. If you are ready to take control of your caseload and build a serious career in family law, apply today!
#LI-AM1 #LI-TS1
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About Boutique Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a team with shared goals; mindfully placing candidates in the workforce to successfully fulfill their career ambitions while encouraging a sense of purpose and value. We have created a new kind of placement firm — one that values connection, personalization, commitment, impact, boldness and achievement. At Boutique Recruiting, our clients, candidates and employees are at the heart of our success.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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