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First Year Law Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Constitutional Law Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case briefing exercises, hypothetical analysis, and essay practice to support first-year law students building foundational constitutional analysis skills for examinations ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Magruder Cook Koutsouftikis & Palanzi

Attorney

Reston, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are seeking an associate litigation attorney who is either a current third year law student or a recent grad who has recently sat for, or is planning on sitting for the Virginia bar, or who is ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Charlottesville, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

Varsity Tutors

Contract Law Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using case analysis, hypothetical fact patterns, and essay writing practice to support first-year law students building foundational contract analysis skills for examinations and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Year Law Associate JobsFirst Year Law Associate Jobs in Virginia

First Year Law Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$45.6K

$107.2K

$171K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year law associate in Virginia is $107,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $128,900.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to First Year Law Associate jobs in Virginia? For First Year Law Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Year Law Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Law Associate jobs in Virginia are:
First Year Law Associate jobs near you
USPTO Law Extern

USPTO Law Extern

US Department of Commerce

Alexandria, VA

Other

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 691 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This is an unpaid Law Extern position under the USPTO Law Extern Program. This program provides talented law school students with unique opportunities to gain valuable skills and professional experience. Join us to learn more about various career paths at the USPTO. For more information about the USPTO, please visit the USPTO Careers Website.Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, you must: (1) be a U.S. Citizen or National; (2) currently enrolled in law school as a 1st, 2nd or 3rd year law student with at least a 2.75 grade point average -- 1st year law students must have completed one semester; (3) be in good academic standing.
The ideal candidates should possess experience that includes performing legal research; and/or the ability to interpret, analyze various issues/matters; and/or strong oral and written communication skills.

If selected, the above eligibility requirements must be maintained throughout the period of employment.

All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Education:

Education: You must be enrolled in an accredited law school and taking at least a half-time academic course load. The definition of half-time is the definition provided by the school in which you are enrolled.
Students must be in good academic standing GPA of 2.75 or higher.

If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to General Schedule Qualification Policies for more information. You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that can perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
NOTE: Only education and experience acquired before the filing deadline will be considered. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Employment Type: OTHER

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