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Legal Associate Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care & cell phone discounts; pet & legal insurance; credit union; referral bonuses. Those who meet ...

Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care & cell phone discounts; pet & legal insurance; credit union; referral bonuses. Those who meet ...

(USA) Staff Pharmacist

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$98K - $172K/yr

... Company and legal policies procedures and regulations for assigned areas by analyzing and ... Embraces differences in people cultures ideas and experiences creates a workplace where associates ...

... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

Pharmacist

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$98K - $172K/yr

... Company and legal policies procedures and regulations for assigned areas by analyzing and ... Embraces differences in people cultures ideas and experiences creates a workplace where associates ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.05/hr

... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.30/hr

... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18.05/hr

... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

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... Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter ...

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Showing results 1-20

Legal Associate information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$8

$28

$58

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Decatur, IL is $28.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $32.64 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.

What is a legal associate?

A legal associate is a junior attorney or lawyer who supports senior lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and preparing cases. They typically work in law firms or corporate legal departments and need a law degree and bar admission to practice. The role often involves analyzing legal issues and assisting with client consultations.

What is the lowest position in a law firm?

The lowest position in a law firm is typically a legal assistant or legal secretary, who provides administrative support to attorneys. Entry-level roles often require basic legal knowledge, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with legal software. These positions serve as a foundation for advancing to higher roles such as paralegal or associate.

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.

What can you do with an associate degree in law?

A legal associate degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary. These positions involve supporting attorneys, conducting research, and managing case files, often requiring knowledge of legal software and procedures.

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 rates are more common for 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 are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Part-Time Truck Unloader (Required 6am Start)

Part-Time Truck Unloader (Required 6am Start)

KOHLS

Forsyth, IL • On-site

$15 - $21.65/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Kohl's rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 1,452 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated department stores


Job description

About the Role

In this role, you will deliver excellent customer service and consistent execution of store operations. You will efficiently process freight, replenishment, and omni channel operations.

What You’ll Do

  • Receive and process product, including unloading truck shipments and execute stockroom operations and omni channel fulfillment 

  • Replenish the sales floor as necessary based on sell through and seasonal changes

  • Engage customers by greeting them and offering assistance with products and services

  • Execute all product protection standards

  • Participate in the training process for new hires on Kohl’s brand standards, product knowledge, inventory procedures, productivity standards, tools and resources and as directed by store leadership

All associate roles at Kohl’s are responsible for:

  • Acting with integrity, honesty and fostering teamwork in an engaged and inclusive culture

  • Exercising good judgment and discernment when making decisions; taking appropriate partners as needed

  • Demonstrating a customer service mindset, anticipating customer needs and satisfactorily resolving issues

  • Supporting point of sale and customer service departments to deliver speed of service transactions while creating a compelling customer experience

  • Meeting or exceeding individual goals (e.g., productivity, credit, loyalty)

  • Accomplishing multiple tasks within established timeframes

  • Following company policies, procedures, standards and guidelines

  • Maintaining adherence to company safety policies for the safety of all associates and customers 

  • Receiving, understanding and proactively responding to direction from supervisors/managers and other company personnel

  • Other responsibilities as assigned

What Skills You Have

Required

  • Excellent customer service skills and ability to multi-task with strong attention to detail

  • Verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills

  • No retail experience required

  • Must be 16 years of age or older

  • Flexible availability, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred

  • Client facing retail or service industry experience


Pay Range: $15.00 - $21.65

Kohl’s offers a variety of benefits to associates depending on full-time/part-time status and work hours, including: WORK LIFE BALANCE (PTO, Vacation Buy Program, Parental Leave), HEALTH & WELLNESS (Medical, Dental, Vision and other short and long term disability programs, Emergency health and wellness programs such as Accident Protection Plans, Critical Illness Plans and more), SAVINGS & RETIREMENT BENEFITS (401k, Flexible Spending Accounts and associate discount programs with Kohl’s partners), INSURANCE PROGRAMS (Life Insurance for you, your family or your pet, as well as other protection programs), and LIFE EVENTS (Legal and adoption assistance benefits).  


What Kohl's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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