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Legal Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Wilmerhale

Legal Recruitment Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Summer Associate Program * In collaboration with the Legal Recruitment Department, successfully designs, manages and evaluates all aspects of the firm's Summer Associate Program including, pre ...

WilmerHale

Legal Recruitment Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Summer Associate Program * In collaboration with the Legal Recruitment Department, successfully designs, manages and evaluates all aspects of the firm's Summer Associate Program including, pre ...

WilmerHale

Legal Recruitment Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Summer Associate Program * In collaboration with the Legal Recruitment Department, successfully designs, manages and evaluates all aspects of the firm's Summer Associate Program including, pre ...

Colonial Parking Inc

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Associate or bachelor's degree preferred, but not required. * At least three years of administrative experience within a corporate legal department, law firm, or similar professional environment.

Perkins Coie LLP

Legal Practice Assistant

Washington, DC

$63K - $113K/yr

In this role, the Legal Practice Assistant provides high-level, complex administrative support to first-year associates with minimal supervision as a key member of the Legal Practice Assistant (LPAC ...

New

Akin Gump

Legal Secretary

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Specialized secretarial degree, associate and/or bachelor's degree desirable but not required ... Thorough familiarity with legal terminology pertinent to general legal concepts and specific area(s ...

PenBay Media LLC

Legal Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

PenBay Technology Gorup is seeking a Legal Administrator to provide full-time support on-site ... Coordinate closely with OGC offices, Directors, and Associate General Counsels for those offices ...

Puyenpa

Legal Administrators

Washington, DC · On-site

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered. * Experience in a legal, administrative, compliance, or government-program environment strongly preferred. * Strong ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Washington

Legal Associate information

See Washington salary details

$9

$32

$68

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Washington is $32.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $38.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal associate?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal associate?

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.

More about Legal Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Washington? For Legal Associate jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,327 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Legal Assistant

United Planning Organization

Washington, DC • On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”


UPO is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse staff who will enhance our engagement and service in our communities.

The Office of the General Counsel is seeking an energetic and experienced individual to join our in house legal office. The ideal candidate must possess strong research and writing skills with an attention to detail, be a team player and able to work independently with minimal supervision. This future employee will be expected to deliver a high level of customer support and service. The final candidate will need to have the right complement of skills and personality.


All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our organization and services.

POSITION: Legal Assistant

OFFICE/DIVISION: Office of the General Counsel

BULLETIN No: 4072026

HOURLY RANGE: $48,750-$58,500 (Commensurate with experience)

OPENING DATE: 7/14/2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

Enhances Office of Vice President of Legal Affairs & General Counsel effectiveness by providing information-management support for ongoing operations of the Office, including records retention/destruction coordination; and representing the Office to vendors and others.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Assists the attorneys in the Office of Vice President of Legal Affairs & General Counsel with administrative duties utilizing legal terminology, procedures and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, maintain coordination of the record retention schedule and assist with legal research. Provide high-level administrative support.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree and two years of responsible relevant secretarial experience in an administrative position or law office; or High School Diploma with a minimum of four years office experience. Proficient in Word and Excel; highly organized, strong attention to detail, self-motivated, able to multi-task, and work independently. Strong communication, documentation and information technology skills; and possess integrity and discretion.

Must be able to work confidentially, sensitively and effectively with our clients and with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree and two years of progressively responsible experience in an administrative position in law office or paralegal training. Proficient writing, research, communicative, technology and analytical abilities; and use good judgment to make decisions appropriate to this level of responsibilities).


OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, and pre-employment drug screening as applicable for the position.




This position IS NOT covered under the collective bargaining agreement.



To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume on the Career Center online.

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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