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Legal Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

System Soft Technologies

Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

The Guerra Law Firm is dedicated to providing quality legal services at a reasonable fee. Our ... The Associate will manage a diverse caseload, conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and ...

Thomas Talent Network

Associate Attorney

Denver, CO

$110K - $185K/yr

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Position Overview We are seeking an Associate Attorney for a Denver-based legal organization. This is a full-time position offering exposure to diverse practice areas and ...

Workday

Senior Legal Counsel

Denver, CO · On-site

$143K - $195K/yr

About the Team The GTM Industries legal team provides transactional counsel and support for our ... associate, data processing and professional services agreements, assignments, amendments, and add ...

Workday

Senior Legal Counsel

Boulder, CO

$144K - $196K/yr

About the Team The GTM Industries legal team provides transactional counsel and support for our ... associate, data processing and professional services agreements, assignments, amendments, and add ...

5 Legal

Corporate Associate

Denver, CO

Named as one of the world's leading law firms by Chambers Global and top 100 AmLaw firm is seeking an associate to join their M&A and Private Equity Practice Group. Ideal candidates must have 6-8 ...

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All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Colorado

Legal Associate information

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$8

$30

$63

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Colorado is $30.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $35.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Legal Associates?

Legal Associates are early-career lawyers who support more senior attorneys in a law firm or legal department. They conduct legal research, draft documents, assist with case preparation, and may represent clients under supervision. Legal Associates are typically recent law school graduates who have passed the bar exam, and their role is designed to provide hands-on experience while allowing them to develop their legal skills. Over time, Legal Associates may work toward becoming partners or taking on more senior legal positions within their organization.

Are legal associates in demand?

Legal associates are in demand due to ongoing legal needs across various industries, including corporate, criminal, and civil law. The role often requires strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and employment prospects are generally favorable for those with a law degree and relevant experience.

What can I do with an associate degree in law?

A legal associate with an associate degree in law can work as a legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary, supporting attorneys with research, document preparation, and case management. These roles often require strong organizational skills and familiarity with legal software but typically do not require a law degree or bar admission.

What are some typical challenges Legal Associates face during their first year at a law firm?

Legal Associates often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of work under tight deadlines, adapting to the expectations of different partners, and learning to balance administrative tasks with substantive legal research and drafting. Navigating firm culture and building relationships with senior attorneys and clients can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help associates develop strong time management, communication, and legal analysis skills crucial for career growth.

What Is a Legal Associate?

A legal associate is a practicing junior attorney at a law firm who works on cases for clients, conducts legal research, and provides legal advice to clients. Other job duties include developing and implementing litigation strategies, supervising legal assistants and paralegals, and representing clients in court. The qualifications you need for a career as a legal associate include a bachelor’s degree and then a law degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law through your state’s bar association, at least one year of experience working in a law firm, and excellent communication and collaborative skills.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For a legal associate, earning $900 an hour is considered very high and typically reflects senior-level experience, specialized expertise, or work in high-demand areas such as corporate law or litigation. Most legal associates earn significantly less, with hourly rates often ranging from $100 to $300 depending on location and firm size. Such high rates are more common among partners or highly specialized attorneys rather than entry-level associates.

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

To thrive as a Legal Associate, you need a law degree (JD or equivalent), strong research and analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal analysis, high-quality client service, and successful case outcomes in a demanding legal environment.

What is the difference between Legal Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts, corporate offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client interaction, assisting attorneysLegal research, document preparation, case organization, support tasks

Legal Associates typically hold a JD and are licensed to practice law, performing more advanced legal tasks. Paralegals assist attorneys with research and administrative duties but do not require a law degree or license. Both roles work in similar environments, but Legal Associates have a broader scope of responsibilities and legal authority.

What does it mean to be a legal associate?

A legal associate is a junior attorney or lawyer who supports senior lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with case preparation. They typically work in law firms or corporate legal departments and need a law degree and bar admission to practice law.
More about Legal Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Colorado? For Legal Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,435 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Child Support Legal Technician - Enforcement

Weld County

Greeley, CO • On-site

$29.30 - $38.10/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Weld County rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Compensation Range
$29.30 - $38.10
Job Description Summary
Actively manage and monitor a child support caseload of 500-600 cases. Enforce child support orders using legal and administrative remedies. Prepares and attends court hearings.
Primary work location is at the Chase Building 822 7th Street, 6th Floor, Greeley, CO 80631. Primary work location subject to change.
Occasional travel throughout Weld County.
This position is in-person and may be eligible for occasional teleworking options upon successful completion of initial training and demonstration of quality work performance.
Reliable, predictable attendance within department business hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
The ideal candidate will have the following traits:
* Self-starter who takes initiative and works proactively.
*Highly organized.
* Demonstrates the ability to prioritize effectively.
* Detail-oriented and consistently produce accurate, thorough work.
Job Description
Case Management - 35%
  • Assess case information to determine appropriate administrative and legal courses of action.
  • Accurately determine case balances by performing arrears calculations, analyzing financial data, and negotiating payment agreements and settlements.
  • Analyze and work system generated reports, alerts, calendar reviews, and locate responses.
  • Updated Automated Child Support Enforcement System (ACSES) with all actions performed on the case.
  • Perform manual locate on parties utilizing all available resources.
  • Meet collection goals set by division leadership and state office.
  • Prioritize and organize task to maximize efficiency and productivity.
  • Review complex legal documents, including child support/maintenance orders, stipulations, modifications, parenting plans, etc. to ensure the Automated Child Support Enforcement System (ACSES) reflects accurate information.
  • Complete quality reviews on cases to ensure rules and regulations are followed for the life of the case.
  • Enforce child support and medical orders on 500-600 cases.

Legal Actions - 20%
  • Review and interpret court orders and accurately input data into the Automated Child Support Enforcement System (ACSES).
  • Work with division leadership to analyze and interpret legal documents with assistant county attorney and prepare legal documents.
  • Assist county attorney at court hearings, either virtually or in person, including testifying and providing evidence.
  • Meet contempt filing goals set by division leadership.

Communication - 30%
  • Communicate with parents, attorneys, courts, employers, and public in a professional manner designed to encourage participation.
  • Educate and share knowledge of the child support program with public and other divisions within the department.
  • Respond timely and accurately to all inquiries.

Problem Solving - 10%
  • Work closely with assistant county attorney, division leadership, peers, and state office to problem solve complex cases.
  • Use critical thinking and available department and statewide resources to resolve complex situations.

Other Duties - 5%
  • Adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines regarding the appropriate release of information.
  • Other duties as may be assigned. Any one position may not include all duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.

Required Qualifications
Required Education
  • High School Diploma/GED

Experience Qualifications
  • 4 years full time business or clerical experience in an office environment including extensive customer service, telephone use and computer experience.
  • 2 years work experience which must include legal secretarial, paralegal experience or collections work experience.

Preferred Education
  • Associate's Degree or higher.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience in collections.
  • Experience in legal document preparation.
  • Experience with County or State Child Support Services programs.

Skills and Abilities
  • Candidate must have ability to enter data into several different computer programs. Ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis. Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Windows and Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Candidate must have ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, legal documents, and department policies and procedures.
  • Candidate must have ability to correspond verbally and in writing.
  • Candidate must have ability to effectively communicate in both one-on-one and small group setting with customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
  • Candidate must have ability to apply math concepts and calculations in the work environment. Ability to apply common sense to problem solve in a work environment.
  • Candidate must have ability to adapt to fast paced, high volume and ever-changing work environment and be able to handle high stress situations.
  • Candidate must adhere to strict guidelines regarding confidentiality guidelines and appropriate release of information.

Licenses and Certifications
  • Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date. Required
  • Candidate must pass Department of Human Services background checks prior to employment start date. Required
  • Candidate must pass a CBI/FBI fingerprint check prior to employment start date and will continue to be subject to CBI/FBI monitoring throughout employment. Required
  • Must obtain Paralegal Certificate within first 12 months of employment if not certified upon hire. within 1 Year Required
  • Must obtain your Automated Enforcement Remedies Certification within the first 12 months of employment. Required
  • Driving is essential in this position.
  • Candidate must have a valid Driver's License and Liability Insurance. Required
  • Candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) evaluation and if hired, will be subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring. Candidate must provide own transportation and be willing to travel as needed to meet the essential functions of the position. Required
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy. Required

This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.
As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings.
Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered:
https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits
Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at humanresources@weld.gov or (970) 400-4234.

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