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First Year Law Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

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Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

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... after one year of employment. HexArmor is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are ... law. At HexArmor, we believe diversity in people and ideas makes us stronger. We are committed to ...

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Attorney

Muskegon, MI ยท On-site

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

Urgent

Attorney

Monroe, MI ยท On-site

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

Urgent

Attorney

Monroe, MI ยท On-site

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

Urgent

Attorney

Holland, MI ยท On-site

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

Urgent

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Attorney

Muskegon, MI ยท On-site

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

Urgent

Attorney

Holland, MI ยท On-site

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes ... during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus ...

Urgent

Showing results 41-60

First Year Law Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$40.1K

$94.3K

$150.3K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year law associate in Michigan is $94,272.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to First Year Law Associate jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various First Year Law Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,272 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Attorney

Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer, & Buckingham

Kalamazoo, MI โ€ข On-site

Urgent

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Relocation opportunity to Goshen, Indiana for attorneys seeking long-term career growth in a collaborative full-service law firm.
Build Your Career, Not Just Your Resume

Join one of Northern Indiana's most respected full-service law firms, where you'll work directly with clients, take on meaningful responsibility early, and build a long-term career alongside experienced attorneys.

Yoder Ainlay Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP is a full‐service law firm with multiple specialized practice groups. We are seeking JD candidates of Indiana-licensed or intending to become an Indiana‐licensed attorneys to join our Goshen, Indiana office.

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes direct client contact, managing discrete matters, and developing practical judgment with guidance from experienced attorneys. Our model prioritizes hands‐on learning, strong mentorship, and long‐term professional growth.

Our positions offer exposure to a variety of legal matters, with the opportunity to focus on one or more practice areas based on interest and firm needs.

The Positions

Practice Focus: Corporate and Business Law

  • Business planning and entity formation
  • Business sales and acquisitions, including asset and equity transactions
  • Coordinating closings and working with clients, lenders, accountants, and other advisors
  • Drafting and reviewing operating agreements, articles, bylaws, and other governance documents
  • Advising clients on day‐to‐day business matters and strategy
  • Assisting with financing transactions and related matters

Associates work directly with business clients and assist attorneys with research, drafting, and transaction management. Early client contact and practical problem‐solving are core aspects of this role.

Practice Focus: Trusts and Estates

  • Estate planning for individuals and families
  • Tax planning, elder law, asset protection and Medicare planning
  • Drafting wills, trusts, and related planning documents
  • Probate and trust administration
  • Advising clients on long‐term planning and wealth transfer

Associates work closely with individuals and families on important life planning decisions, with meaningful client interaction and responsibility early in their practice.

Practice Focus: Litigation

  • Civil litigation in federal, state and local courts
  • Drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery
  • Assisting with depositions, hearings, and trial preparation
  • Legal research and strategic analysis of claims and defenses
  • Working directly with clients to develop case strategy and manage disputes

Associates in this role will gain hands‐on litigation experience early, including court appearances and direct client interaction. The position offers meaningful responsibility from the outset, with mentoring from experienced trial attorneys and opportunities to develop strong advocacy and case management skills.

Practice Focus: Government and Municipal Law

  • Advising municipalities, boards, and public entities on governance and compliance
  • Assisting with public meetings, ordinances, and resolutions
  • Researching and applying Indiana statutes related to local government and public administration
  • Supporting public finance, procurement, and land use matters
  • Providing day‐to‐day legal guidance to elected officials and administrators

Associates in this role will work closely with public clients on practical legal issues that impact their communities. The position offers early responsibility, direct interaction with decision‐makers, and the opportunity to develop judgment in a highly relationship‐driven practice.

Practice Focus: Real Estate

  • Commercial and residential real estate transactions
  • Drafting and reviewing purchase agreements, leases, and financing documents
  • Title review and resolving title issues
  • Assisting with closings and coordinating with lenders and other parties
  • Supporting development projects, zoning, and land use matters

Associates handle matters from contract through closing, with early client interaction and practical responsibility.

Practice Focus: Employment Law

  • Advising employers on day‐to‐day employment issues and risk management
  • Drafting and reviewing employment agreements, policies, and handbooks
  • Counseling clients on hiring, discipline, termination, and compliance matters
  • Assisting with wage and hour, leave, and accommodation issues
  • Supporting responses to agency charges and employment‐related disputes
  • Assisting with employment aspects of business transactions

Associates work closely with business clients to provide practical, real‐time advice on personnel issues. The role includes meaningful client interaction and the opportunity to develop judgment in both proactive counseling and dispute‐related matters, with mentoring from experienced attorneys.

Applicants may indicate interest in one or more practice areas

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus structure tied to productivity and performance, and compensation can increase quickly for attorneys who are motivated, efficient, and capable.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Competitive salary
  • Bonus pay
  • 401(k) and retirement contributions
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health savings account and flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off

Qualifications

  • JD licensed in Indiana or with intent to pass the Indiana Bar and become licensed in Indiana
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent analytical and problem‐solving abilities
  • A strong work ethic and professional judgment
  • Interest in working closely with individual clients on important life and business matters
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

This is a primarily on‐site position at our Goshen, Indiana office. Limited remote work may be possible, but regular in‐office presence is expected.

About Our Firm & Culture

Goshen is a small city in North Central Indiana, with a vibrant culture- close to South Bend and Notre Dame and 100 miles from Chicago. For 70 years, Yoder Ainlay has provided legal expertise grounded in Midwestern pragmatism. Our attorneys serve clients across a wide range of industries and practice areas, adapting to changing legal and economic conditions while maintaining a client‐focused philosophy and a tradition of excellence.

Civic engagement and community involvement have been hallmarks of the firm since its formation. Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives, approaching pro bono and community work with the same dedication and integrity that define our compensated legal services.

We do not hire merely to meet short‐term needs. We seek attorneys interested in building a long‐term professional home, developing strong client relationships, and growing with the firm.

Job Type: Full‐time
Schedule: Monday–Friday +
Experience Level: New attorney / entry‐level
Location: Goshen, Indiana

Company Description

Yoder Ainlay Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP is a full service law firm with multiple specialized
practice groups. We are are seeking JD candidates that are Indiana licensed or intending to become Indiana licensed attorney to join our growing practice in Goshen, Indiana.