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First Year Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peggy Browning Fund

First Year Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Slevin & Hart offers the unique opportunity to learn directly from attorneys who helped shape the ... where First Year Associates work side-by-side with experienced attorneys in a collaborative ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Riverside, 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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Fontana, 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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Fresno, 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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

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)

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Huntington Beach, 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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Chula Vista, 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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Irvine, 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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Stockton, 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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Glendale, 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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Santa Ana, 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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Oakland, 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 ...

Jobot

Junior Attorney

Long Beach, 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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

Jobot

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 ...

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First Year Lawyer information

See salary details

$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do first year lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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 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 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 to expect as a first-year lawyer?

A first-year lawyer typically handles legal research, drafting documents, and supporting senior attorneys. The role involves long hours, a steep learning curve, and developing skills in client communication, case management, and legal analysis. Expect to work under supervision and gradually take on more responsibility as you gain experience.
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:

What job categories do people searching First Year Lawyer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Lawyer jobs are:

First Year Lawyer jobs near you
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, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

First Year Associate

Peggy Browning Fund

Washington, DC • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Slevin & Hart, P.C., with offices in Washington, D.C. and New York, NY, is a highly specialized law firm whose core business is the representation of employee benefits funds, with a particular expertise in representing joint labor management multiemployer plans. We take pride in the fact that the majority of our work is for the ultimate benefit of union-represented workers in numerous industries across the United States.

Our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional legal services hinges upon employing top quality professionals at all levels. Slevin & Hart is able to recruit highly successful employees because we offer competitive salaries and benefits, challenging work, and a culture of collegiality.

Please note: current openings are for our Washington, D.C. office only.

First Year Associates

Slevin & Hart recruits talented, well-credentialed 3L students for First Year Associate positions in our D.C. office. We value outstanding academics, excellent writing skills, an interest in practicing employee benefits law, and a commitment to providing legal services for the ultimate benefit of union-represented workers throughout the country. In return, we offer active mentoring, early client interaction and responsibility, challenging assignments and professional development and a direct engagement with the labor movement through the work we do. Slevin & Hart offers the unique opportunity to learn directly from attorneys who helped shape the laws governing employee benefits and who continue to set practice standards. The size and structure of our firm allows for a team approach to client representation where First Year Associates work side-by-side with experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment.

Slevin & Hart, P.C. is an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote, and evaluate all personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Job applicants and present employees are evaluated solely on ability, experience, and the requirements of the job.

The Peggy Browning Fund and its Board of Directors mourns the passing of Tom Conway, International President of the United Steelworkers.

Peggy Browning Summer Fellows had many additional programs from which to choose to bring added depth to the work they were assigned.

A champion is gone. The day of his death was sad and dark. The passing of President Trumka is a loss for the entire labor movement and for workers and their families throughout this country. It was also a very personal loss for all of us here at the Peggy Browning Fund and for so many workers’...

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