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First Year Law Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 per year A bit about us: ----- Based in San Jose, CA we are a Boutique ... We believe that putting your employees first is not only the right thing to do, but it also gives ...

Associate Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Associate Attorney to join either our San Jose office ... Unlike other law firms, Modern Family Law offers you the following opportunities: * Remote First ...

Associate Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Associate Attorney to join either our San Jose office ... Unlike other law firms, Modern Family Law offers you the following opportunities: * Remote First ...

Associate Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Associate Attorney to join either our San Jose office ... Unlike other law firms, Modern Family Law offers you the following opportunities: * Remote First ...

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Associate Attorney to join either our Oakland office ... Unlike other law firms, Modern Family Law offers you the following opportunities: * Remote First ...

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Associate Attorney to join either our Oakland office ... Unlike other law firms, Modern Family Law offers you the following opportunities: * Remote First ...

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Associate Attorney to join either our Oakland office ... Unlike other law firms, Modern Family Law offers you the following opportunities: * Remote First ...

Salary: $140,000 - $200,000 per year A bit about us: ----- Our client, a premier Southern California Family Law firm is seeking to add ambitious litigators to their team! The ideal candidate will ...

Salary: $140,000 - $190,000 per year A bit about us: ----- Based in Menlo Park, CA with 2 offices ... We believe that putting your employees first is not only the right thing to do, but it also gives ...

Showing results 21-40

First Year Law Associate information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year law associate in California is $106,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.
What are popular job titles related to First Year Law Associate jobs in California? For First Year Law Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Year Law Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Law Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Year Law Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most First Year Law Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various First Year Law Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Family Law Associate Attorney

Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara, LLP

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Are you an ambitious and skilled Family Law Associate Attorney seeking an exciting new opportunity to make a significant impact in the legal field? Look no further! Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP is a reputable and forward-thinking mid-sized law firm headquartered in Newport Beach, California, recognized for its sixth consecutive year as a Best Law Firm® by U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers®. Our award winning Family Law team is proud to be recognized annually as one of the Best Firms for Family Law by U.S. News & World Report including several partners and associates honored as Best Lawyers in America.
As an integral member of our Family Law team, you will handle a broad spectrum of matters, including divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreement, child support modifications, and more. You will manage all aspects of litigation from inception to resolution, including legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, as well as representing clients in court. This role offers an excellent platform for professional growth, as you will collaborate closely with experienced partners who will provide mentorship as you take on challenging cases. If you are ready to take your family law practice to the next level, apply now!
Requirements
  • 5+ years of experience as an attorney handling family law litigation matters.
  • Experience preparing for, taking, and defending depositions; briefing and arguing discovery and dispositive motions; attending mediations; and interfacing with clients and opposing counsel. Trial experience is preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in analyzing, researching, and drafting briefs and other pleadings addressing sophisticated legal issues in complex family law matters, preferably for high-net worth clients.
  • Ability to manage a caseload independently, while also collaborating with team members.
  • Managerial or supervisory experience is a plus.
  • Client-focused mindset and a passion for achieving successful outcomes.
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Current admission to the California State Bar is required.

Benefits
Our firm offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Competitive compensation + performance-based bonus plan
  • Generous medical insurance (HMO/PPO) - employer-paid premium up to 95% + employer funded HRA (for PPO plans)
  • Dental insurance - employer-paid premium up to 100%
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness incentives, including fitness discounts and rewards program
  • Life insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Unlimited Time Off program
  • 12 paid holidays
  • 401(k)

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace environment that promotes career development and a healthy work-life balance.
About Us: At Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara (BWB&O), we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our clients. With 200 attorneys across nine offices in four states, and a strong foothold in the legal community, we have built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional legal services across various practice areas. Learn more at https://bremerwhyte.com/
Equal Opportunity Statement: BWB&O is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
For more information about how we use your personal information, please visit https://bremerwhyte.com/privacy-policy
The expected base salary range is $150,000-$200,000, however actual compensation will be determined based on experience.