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First Year Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clausen Miller P.C.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Dallas, TX · Remote

Will consider a first-year attorney with prior civil litigation exposure or relevant experience * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Strong attention to detail * Self-starter with the ...

Jobot

Associate Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $150K/yr

Why join us? ----- As a First Year Attorney / First Year Associate in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary with bonus incentive program * Generous Benefits Package (medical and ...

AEI LAW PC

Business Lawyer

Huntington Beach, CA

$176K - $226K/yr

Business Lawyer Pay: Base Salary $176,000 - $226,000 per year (DOE), plus benefits and bonuses. Job ... Paid vacation: 2 week after first year; 3 weeks after second year; 4 weeks after third year * Sick ...

AEI LAW PC

Business Lawyer

Huntington Beach, CA

$176K - $226K/yr

Business Lawyer Pay: Base Salary $176,000 - $226,000 per year (DOE), plus benefits and bonuses. Job ... Paid vacation: 2 week after first year; 3 weeks after second year; 4 weeks after third year * Sick ...

AEI LAW PC

Business Lawyer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$176K - $226K/yr

Competitive salary Business Lawyer Pay: Base Salary $176,000 - $226,000 per year (DOE), plus ... Paid vacation: 2 week after first year; 3 weeks after second year; 4 weeks after third year * Sick ...

Zanes Law LLC

Prelitigation Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$400K/yr

No attorney on our team earns less than $300,000 in total compensation (salary + bonus) - including first-year attorneys, with one narrow exception in year one. * After year one, t ypical total ...

MANUKYAN LAW FIRM

Be Seen First

Associate Attorney- Employment Law

Glendale, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

We are looking to hire an associate attorney, preferably a first or second year attorney, who has experience with answering discovery. We practice Plaintiff's side employment law. Responsibilities ...

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First Year Lawyer information

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How much do first year lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 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.
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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, 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.

First Year Associate (2026 Graduate) - Detroit

Segal McCambridge

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Segal McCambridge, a national litigation firm, is accepting resumes for First-Year Associate Attorneys to join our Detroit (Southfield) office. This role is open to recent or 2026 law school graduates who will begin after completion of the bar exam and are eager to launch their legal careers with meaningful, hands-on litigation experience from day one.

The associate will focus on 1st and 3rd party insurance defense matters, working closely with experienced trial attorneys on sophisticated, high-exposure cases. This role also offers the opportunity and long-term goal of expanding into diversified practice areas as the associate develops professionally within the firm.

This is an exceptional opportunity to gain early litigation and case management experience while building a strong foundation in litigation strategy, advocacy, and client service.

What You'll Do:
Work closely with partners and senior attorneys on active insurance defense matters
Draft pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and legal correspondence
Conduct legal research and analysis on substantive legal issues
Assist with case strategy, fact investigation, and overall case management
Prepare for and attend depositions, hearings, mediations, and court appearances
Collaborate with clients, colleagues, experts, and support staff in a team-oriented environment
Participate in firm-sponsored training and mentorship programs designed specifically for junior associates
Gain exposure to additional litigation practice areas over time as part of the firm's commitment to professional development and diversified experience

What We're Looking For:
J.D. from an accredited law school
Bar admission pending or anticipated in Michigan
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
A proactive mindset and eagerness to learn through hands-on experience
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail
Interest in litigation, including toxic tort and general liability defense

Why Join Segal McCambridge?

At Segal McCambridge, first-year associates are not sidelined. You'll receive structured training, close mentorship, and real responsibility from the outset. Our trial-focused culture emphasizes learning by doing, with partners who are invested in your development and long-term growth.

Associates in the Detroit office gain immediate exposure to insurance defense litigation while also having opportunities to work across a broader range of practice areas as their careers evolve. We are committed to helping associates develop into well-rounded litigators with meaningful client interaction and practical courtroom experience early in their careers.

Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive salary with potential for bonus and business origination credit
Bar preparation reimbursement
Comprehensive benefits package, including:
401(k) with firm match
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Health savings and flexible spending accounts
Paid time off and parental leave
Life insurance
Professional development and CLE support
Employee assistance program
Referral bonuses

About Segal McCambridge:

Founded in 1986, Segal McCambridge has grown from a four-attorney firm in Chicago into a national litigation firm with offices in more than 15 cities. We represent a diverse client base, including Fortune 500 companies, in complex litigation matters such as asbestos, product liability, class action, environmental, professional liability, cyber risk, and other high-exposure disputes.