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Legal Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Legal Fellow

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

A one year period of postgraduate legal work proceeding from law school into the licensed practice of law where the fellow works at the direction of and alongside the University's General Counsel on ...

Politico

Legal Externship

Rosslyn, VA

Legal Externs will serve as generalists, supporting the legal team on issues spanning employment law, data privacy, commercial contracts, intellectual property, and litigation. Receiving supervision ...

Sentara

Legal Intake Coordinator

Newport News, VA · Hybrid

$42K - $56K/yr

Paralegal Certification, Associate Degree, or Bachelor's degree Experience with spreadsheets ... Legal Resources Plan Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus ...

Sentara

Legal Intake Coordinator

Newport News, VA · Hybrid

$10K/mo

Paralegal Certification, Associate Degree, or Bachelor's degree Experience with spreadsheets ... Legal Resources Plan Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus ...

State of Montana

Legal Secretary 1

Warm Springs, VA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

The Legal Services Program at Montana State Hospital is responsible for providing legal ... A high school diploma or equivalent, prefer associate degree or two-year vocational training.

Montana

Legal Secretary 1

Warm Springs, VA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

The Legal Services Program at Montana State Hospital is responsible for providing legal ... A high school diploma or equivalent, prefer associate degree or two-year vocational training.

State of Montana

Legal Secretary 1

Warm Springs, VA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

The Legal Services Program at Montana State Hospital is responsible for providing legal ... A high school diploma or equivalent, prefer associate degree or two-year vocational training.

State of Montana

Legal Secretary 1

Warm Springs, VA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

The Legal Services Program at Montana State Hospital is responsible for providing legal ... A high school diploma or equivalent, prefer associate degree or two-year vocational training.

Willcox Savage

Legal Assistant

Norfolk, VA

Applicants must have excellent administrative and legal skills, be professional, well organized ... Associate's) and a minimum of three years of law firm experience preferred. Willcox Savage is an ...

ROCS

Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant

Herndon, VA

Coordinate domestic and foreign patent filings with attorneys, clients, and foreign associates ... Support attorneys with administrative and legal support functions as needed. Qualifications * 4-6 ...

DLA Piper

Legal Administrative Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

Summary The Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) working in collaboration with and in support of ... Provides practice-specific support to multiple associates, partners, and other attorneys ...

DLA Piper

Legal Administrative Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

Summary The Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) working in collaboration with and in support of ... Provides practice-specific support to multiple associates, partners, and other attorneys ...

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All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Virginia

Legal Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$28

$59

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Virginia is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $33.37 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Virginia? For Legal Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,810 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Legal Fellow

Legal Fellow

Liberty

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

A one year period of postgraduate legal work proceeding from law school into the licensed practice of law where the fellow works at the direction of and alongside the University's General Counsel on project assignments that reflect the wide-ranging legal needs of the University. The legal fellowship runs from December 1 through July 31, during which time the fellow would become a fully licensed and practicing attorney.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be registered for the July bar exam for the year in which work starts, be on track to graduate from law school in April or May, and to be licensed as an attorney upon receipt of scores from the July bar exam.

Preferred Qualifications

Superior academic credentials, excellent legal research and writing skills, a passion for research and service, and prior internship experience with the Office of Legal Affairs is preferred.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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