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Junior Legal Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kosmos

Junior Litigation Associate

Chicago, IL

$110K - $175K/yr

Our team of experienced attorneys provides top-quality legal services to a diverse range of clients ... As a Junior Litigation Associate, you will work closely with our senior attorneys on a variety of ...

JRG Partners

Junior Paralegal

Miami, FL · On-site

$60K/yr

The BFT Junior Paralegal for BFT team is responsible to collaborate closely and provide legal ... Associate degree in related area. * At least three years of experience as a junior Paralegal in the ...

HANDLER LAW LLP

Junior Tax Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Junior Tax Associate will support the firm's tax practice by assisting in the research ... Conduct legal research on federal, state, and international tax issues * Draft memoranda, legal ...

Handler Law, LLP

Junior Tax Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Junior Tax Associate will support the firm's tax practice by assisting in the research ... Conduct legal research on federal, state, and international tax issues * Draft memoranda, legal ...

Handler Thayer LLP

Junior Tax Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Junior Tax Associate will support the firm's tax practice by assisting in the research ... Conduct legal research on federal, state, and international tax issues * Draft memoranda, legal ...

Percy Towers

Associate Legal Counsel

San Francisco, CA

$235K - $390K/yr

Junior-Senior Level Associates (x2) § Title : Junior Associate-Senior Associate/Counsel § ... This firm is not merely a legal advisor but a strategic partner to the Fortune 100 , frequently ...

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Junior Legal Associate information

See salary details

$29K

$57.7K

$124.5K

How much do junior legal associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior legal associate in the United States is $57,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Legal Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Legal Associate, you need a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and analysis, typically supported by a law degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and effective time management help you excel in high-pressure environments and client interactions. These skills ensure accurate legal work, efficient case support, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to legal teams.

What are Junior Legal Associates?

Junior Legal Associates are entry-level legal professionals who assist attorneys and senior associates with legal research, drafting documents, case preparation, and administrative tasks. They typically work at law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Their work helps ensure that cases and legal matters proceed smoothly and efficiently, while they gain valuable experience and training in the legal field. Junior Legal Associates often have a law degree and may be preparing for or have recently passed the bar exam.

What is the difference between Junior Legal Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectJunior Legal AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission preferredAssociate degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal support services
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, entry-level legal rolesLegal support, administrative roles in legal settings
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Junior Legal Associate typically holds a law degree and may be bar-eligible, working directly under attorneys on legal research, drafting, and case preparation. Paralegals usually have a paralegal certification or associate degree, focusing on supporting attorneys with document management, research, and administrative tasks. While both roles are integral to legal teams, Junior Legal Associates are more involved in legal analysis and case work, whereas Paralegals handle more administrative and support functions.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can a Junior Legal Associate expect during their first year on the job?

As a Junior Legal Associate, you can expect to handle a variety of foundational legal tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, reviewing contracts, and assisting with case preparation. You'll often collaborate closely with senior associates and partners, learning from their expertise while supporting multiple projects simultaneously. The environment is typically fast-paced, and balancing competing deadlines is a common challenge, but you'll gain exposure to different practice areas and clients, building a solid professional foundation. This role is also a stepping stone for career growth, as strong performance can lead to greater responsibility and advancement within the firm.
More about Junior Legal Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Legal Associate jobs? Cities with the most Junior Legal Associate job openings:
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Junior Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Legal Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,652 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Michigan LLI Attorney

Michigan LLI Attorney

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Established in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists. Reporters Committee serves news organizations, reporters, documentary filmmakers, media lawyers, and many more who use its online resources.
Job Description
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) is hiring a Michigan Local Legal Initiative (LLI) Attorney. The Local Legal Initiative was launched by the Reporters Committee in 2020 to provide pro bono legal support to journalists and news outlets engaged in local enterprise and investigative journalism in their states. The Michigan LLI Attorney will advise and represent news organizations and individual journalists in Michigan in impact and defense matters involving access to judicial records/proceedings, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment issues. The Michigan LLI attorney also will contribute to the Reporters Committee's amicus and pre-publication/vetting practices for matters within Michigan; facilitate and conduct trainings for journalists and news organizations in their state; and work with stakeholders across Michigan to, among other things, increase the visibility of the LLI. This full-time position reports to the Director of the Local Legal Initiative.
The Michigan LLI Attorney must be based in Michigan; the Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids metropolitan areas are preferred. Some travel throughout Michigan and to the Reporters Committee's office in Washington, D.C. is required.
Key Responsibilities Include:
  • Representing Michigan journalists and news organizations in litigation and other matters involving access to judicial records/proceedings, freedom of information, and other newsgathering and First Amendment matters; this includes, among other things: intake/case selection and other strategy decisions; drafting correspondence, administrative appeals, pleadings, briefs, and other filings in trial and appellate courts; and appearing on behalf of the clients in state and federal court;
  • Providing counsel to Michigan journalists on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, and privacy;
  • Drafting amicus briefs and-depending on the seniority level and experience of the attorney-supervising the drafting and work of more junior RCFP attorneys on amicus briefs in cases presenting important newsgathering and First Amendment issues in Michigan;
  • Educating Michigan journalists about First Amendment and newsgathering rights, including by conducting trainings for journalists and news organizations on media law topics;
  • Responding to hotline inquiries from journalists in Michigan and working with RCFP communications staff to provide comment to local journalists and news organizations for publication;
  • Working collaboratively with stakeholders in Michigan and internally at RCFP to promote the LLI and its strategic goals;
  • Depending on the seniority level and experience of the attorney, working with the Vice President of Legal Programs and the Director of the Local Legal Initiative to provide guidance, supervision, and performance feedback to legal fellows and staff attorneys.

Qualifications
  • Admitted to practice law in Michigan or eligible for admission to practice law in Michigan;
  • 3+ to 10+ years of litigation and advising experience, with significant to substantial experience representing journalists and other media clients in matters involving newsgathering, access to public records, and other media law and First Amendment issues;
  • Self-directed with the ability to handle independently all aspects of litigation, including drafting papers, formulating strategy, and negotiating with opposing parties;
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to successfully manage-or demonstrated experience successfully managing-litigation matters and the work of less-experienced attorneys;
  • Outstanding legal research skills, and excellent written communication skills;
  • Excellent public speaking and oral communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a broad range of clients and stakeholders;
  • Good judgment and the highest level of professional integrity.

Additional Information
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and operate computer equipment. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Compensation: RCFP is committed to offering competitive pay and generous benefits, including group medical insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, health-reimbursement accounts, and paid family leave. The salary range for this position is $117,300 to $130,500.
How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter. NOTE: Please submit materials in one PDF file. Only complete applications will advance in the hiring process. The role will remain open until filled.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
RCFP Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At the Reporters Committee, we celebrate the diversity of our employees and our leadership. RCFP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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