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First Year Law Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

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

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

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

Associate Attorney

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

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

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Showing results 1-20

First Year Law Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$48.4K

$113.7K

$181.4K

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year law associate in Colorado is $113,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $136,700.00 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 Colorado?

For First Year Law Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Year Law Associate jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Law Associate jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for First Year Law Associate jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most First Year Law Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various First Year Law Associate job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,732 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

$130K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Modern Family Law, a rapidly expanding national law firm specializing in Family Law, is seekinga hybrid Family Law Associate Attorneyto join ourFort Collins, COoffice.

Unlike other law firms,Modern Family Lawoffers you the following opportunities: 

  • Remote First Setting with Brick & Mortar Space Available (in-person as required by courts & clients).
  • Low billable hours requirement (100 per month). 
  • Direct client contact. 
  • The ability to truly develop substantive litigation skills early in your career. 
  • The satisfaction of meaningfully impacting people's lives. 
  • Competitive compensation and benefits. 
  • Cutting-edge technology. 
  • Learning and development support, including onsite and in-person. 
  • Work From Anywhere - eligible after 6 months.

To be successful in this role, the Family Law Associate Attorney will: 

  • Be adept at handling a variety of family law cases, such as divorce, custody, and child and spousal support. 
  • Be comfortable with direct client communications, drafting legal documents, and handling depositions, court appearances, and mediations. 
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple responsibilities with attention to detail. 
  • Work collaboratively within a team-oriented setting, ensuring collective success. 

Mandatory Notices for Applicants 

ADA Compliance: All candidates and incumbents are expected to perform the duties as assigned so long as they can meet the expectations set forth with or without reasonable accommodations. Should a candidate or incumbent require accommodation, they need to advise the Director of People & Culture in advance. 

Compensation: $130,000 - $172,000 annually. This range presented is a reliable estimate of the base salary plus potential commissions based on billable hours and collections that this individual is expected to receive. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, location, billable hour expectations, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance with an optional Health Savings Account (HSA), short-term disability, long-term disability, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k) Retirement Plan, vacation, sick time, and an employee assistance program. 

Additional voluntary programs include voluntary accident insurance, voluntary life insurance, voluntary disability, voluntary long-term care, voluntary critical illness and cancer insurance, and pet insurance. Commuter and transit benefit programs may also be available in certain markets. 

Requirements

  • 0-3 years of Family Lawexperience preferred. 
  • Experience in Family Law preferred; open to litigation candidates interested in practicing Family Law. 
  • Active admission to the Colorado State Bar. 
  • Exceptional writing and communication skills with strong attention to detail. 
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with a client-focused mindset. 

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development