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First Year Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Attorney

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Santa Barbara, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Anaheim, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Thousand Oaks, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Escondido, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Attorney / First Year Associate in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary! (the range in this ad is purely an estimate--we are flexible)

Junior Attorney

Oxnard, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Oceanside, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

San Bernardino, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

San Diego, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Temecula, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Bakersfield, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Pasadena, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

Junior Attorney

Lancaster, CA · Remote

$40 - $45/hr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Associate / First Year Attorney in our company, we are able to offer: * An hourly rate between $40-45/hr! * Medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401k! * Work from ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Year Lawyer information

See salary details

$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do first year lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Year Lawyer vs Law Clerk?

AspectFirst Year LawyerLaw Clerk
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), often bar-eligible
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesCourts, law firms, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, client-facing rolesJudicial chambers, legal research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Lawyers typically work in law firms or corporate settings, focusing on client work and legal research after passing the bar. Law Clerks usually assist judges or attorneys with research and drafting, often before or during bar admission. While both roles require a JD, First Year Lawyers are more client-facing, whereas Law Clerks focus on research and judicial support.

What are some typical challenges first year lawyers face when transitioning from law school to legal practice?

First year lawyers often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to billable hour requirements, and learning to apply legal theory to real-world cases. Additionally, they must quickly develop strong organizational skills and become comfortable with client communication and court procedures. Support from more experienced colleagues and participating in firm training programs can help ease this transition and set the stage for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year lawyer?

To thrive as a First Year Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research and writing skills, and foundational knowledge of relevant law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues help new lawyers stand out. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering accurate legal work, meeting deadlines, and building a strong professional reputation early in your career.

What is a first year lawyer?

First year lawyers, often called associates, are attorneys in their initial year of practicing law after graduating from law school and passing the bar exam. They typically work at law firms, corporations, or government agencies under the supervision of more experienced attorneys. Their duties include legal research, drafting documents, assisting with case preparation, and learning about various areas of law. The first year is a critical time for developing practical legal skills, building professional relationships, and understanding workplace expectations in the legal field.
More about First Year Lawyer jobs
What states have the most First Year Lawyer jobs? States with the most job openings for First Year Lawyer jobs include:
Infographic showing various First Year Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Associate Attorney - First Year

Heplerbroom Llc

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

HeplerBroom LLC, a leading civil defense firm, is seeking a motivated and ambitious First-Year Associate Attorney to join our growing team in Edwardsville, Illinois. This is an exceptional opportunity for a newly licensed attorney to gain hands-on litigation experience, work alongside accomplished attorneys, and build a strong foundation for a successful legal career. You'll play an active role in a diverse civil litigation practice while receiving the mentorship and support needed to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct thorough research, analysis, and interpretation of legal sources such as statutes, regulations, ordinances, court decisions, and legal opinions
  • Legal writing such as drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery
  • Represent clients in court hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials
  • Collaborate with colleagues and clients to develop case strategies
  • Maintain excellent client communication and service

Qualifications:

  • Good standing with the Illinois bar or have recently taken the Illinois bar exam
  • Strong writing, research, and analytical skills
  • Writing and law school transcripts requested with resume

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Compensation: Associate attorney starting at $95,000 plus structure quarterly and annual associate bonus program. Base salary to be reviewed after 6 months of licensure.
  • Professional Development: Access to in-house CLE programs, legal association membership support, and a structured mentor program.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health benefit options, generous 401K and profit-sharing programs.
  • Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a dedicated team known for delivering exceptional client service and strategic legal solutions.

HeplerBroom is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.