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Legal Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC

$100K/yr

The McIlveen Family Law Firm is now hiring an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience. We ... You will also conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure clients ...

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The McIlveen Family Law Firm is now hiring an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience. We ... You will also conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure clients ...

AVE Staffing

Trusts & Estates Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Associate Attorney - Trusts & Estates/Business Our client, a dynamic and collaborative law firm in ... Research and analyze complex legal and tax issues. * Prepare and review contracts, business filings ...

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Salary: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 The McIlveen Family Law Firm is now hiring an Associate Attorney ... You will also conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure clients ...

Breeden Law Office

Associate Family Law Attorney

Garner, NC · On-site +1

$78K - $100K/yr

We believe in alleviating clients' stress by providing proactive guidance, strong legal representation, and a first-class customer experience. Join our team as an associate family law attorney and ...

AVE Staffing

Litigation Associate

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$180K - $220K/yr

Complex Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney Location: Raleigh, NC (On-site / Hybrid) Salary ... Perform advanced legal research and author pleadings, administrative challenges, summary judgment ...

AVE Staffing

Employment Litigation Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Employment Litigation Associate / Business Litigation Attorney Location: Durham, NC (Hybrid ... Deliver risk assessments, legal research, and strategic advice directly to corporate executives and ...

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All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Legal Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$28

$58

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Raleigh, NC is $28.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $32.69 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.

More about Legal Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,640 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney

Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Smith Debnam (www.smithdebnamlaw.com) is seeking candidates for a full-time litigation associate position to assist in the representation of businesses in matters related to Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Equipment Leasing & Finance Litigation, Commercial Creditor Bankruptcy, and general Creditors’ Rights.

The following are pre-requisites for this position:

  • Minimum of two years experience in some mix of the above listed practice areas
  • Worked in a private litigation practice, with an understanding of the business aspects of managing a law practice
  • NC Bar license in good standing
  • Strong legal analysis and writing skills
  • Strong courtroom and negotiation skills
  • Demonstrated leadership ability
  • Self-motivated, including desire and ability to market his/her practice

Ideal candidate’s experience will include:

  • Dual licensed in NC and SC (or willingness to obtain SC licensure)
  • 3 or more years litigation experience in federal, state, and/or bankruptcy courts
  • Preference for in-office work environment in a collegial culture

This position requires being regularly present in our Raleigh, NC office, except when travelling to court appearances across the state (estimated court travel requirement of 10% to 25%)

Smith Debnam has been providing legal services to businesses and individuals in the Carolinas for over 50 years. Our attorney development philosophy supports and encourages associate attorneys in building a practice with the goal of becoming a Partner in our Firm. We provide employees with an enriching, professional work environment that rewards employee excellence, fosters teamwork, and supports professional development.

Our employees also enjoy:

  • Competitive compensation, including performance incentives
  • Quality benefit programs
  • Flexible work hours