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First Year Law Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

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 ...

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

Legal Writing Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

Legal Writing Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

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

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

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 ...

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

Legal Writing Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

Legal Writing Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

Legal Writing Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

Legal Writing Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using model memoranda, peer editing exercises, and incremental drafting assignments to support first-year law students and advanced students preparing for legal writing ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Sep 8, 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.

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 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:

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

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

Infographic showing various First Year Law Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,232 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

STUDENT TRAINEE (LAW) (LEGAL INTERN)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Quantico, VA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 7 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

The DCSA Student Experience (DSE) '27 Cohort. Open to law students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0. Summer Cohort Start Date: 31 May 2027 (alternate: 14 June 2027); End Date: 20 August 2027. Students must attend for a minimum of 10 weeks (400 hours).
This position is selecting a student intern for the Office of the General Counsel.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, you must meet the criteria specified below:
  • Must hold a bachelor's degree and be currently enrolled as a full-time law student in a program leading to award of the first professional law degree.
  • You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. Grade-point averages are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.
Note:To be appointed to a Law Student Trainee - Intern (Law Student) in the summer of 2027, you will also need to have successfully completed the 1st or 2nd year of law school by the end of May 2027, with the expectation of continuing law school studies in the fall of 2027.
All applicants must submit college or university undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) AND law school transcripts (official or unofficial) that demonstrate the completion, (or for 1st year law student applicants, the anticipated completion), of the 1st year of law school by the end of May 2027 or earlier.
Specifically, you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
1. Communication: Written and oral communication techniques sufficient to develop and deliver briefings, project papers, status/staff reports and correspondence to managers to foster understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
3. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
4. Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; uses sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions; finds alternative solutions to complex problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical judgements.
5. Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
6. Ability to research, analyze and present information.
Education:All applicants must submit college or university undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial) AND law school transcripts (official or unofficial) that demonstrate the completion, or for 1st year law student applicants, the anticipated completion, of the 1st year of law school by the end of May 2027.
Official Transcripts and other required Official supporting documentation will be submitted by selected students prior to their start to continue in the program.
Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions.
Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:
https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Employment Type: OTHER

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