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Legal Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Goodwin is seeking a Legal Engineer to help design and build the next generation of technology-enabled legal solutions. This role sits at the intersection of law, technology, and product development ...

The ACLU-DC has been successful in the past in hosting legal fellows with externally-funded public service fellowships. The ACLU-DC is an affiliate office of the American Civil Liberties Union, a ...

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Legal Secretary, hybrid

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Company Description Bonnie Jones Associates, L.L.C. is your source for finding and filling permanent financial, accounting, administrative, legal, executive assistant, accounting and HR positions.

As a Legal Assistant, you will be responsible for managing the law firm's day-to-day operations ... Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, Bachelor's Degree, or a Paralegal Certificate (preferred)

Legal Secretary

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Legal Secretaries are expected to perform all job duties with a commitment to providing superior ... Specialized secretarial degree, associate and/or bachelor's degree desirable but not required.

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Legal Associate information

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$62

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Reston, VA is $30.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $35.00 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.
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Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,762 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Associate Legal Director, Litigation

Associate Legal Director, Litigation

Johnson Controls

Washington, DC • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 386 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.


For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.

What we offer:

  • Competitive salaryand bonus plan
  • Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care
  • On the job/cross training opportunities
  • Encouraging and collaborative team environment
  • Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

What you will do:

TheAssociate Legal Director- Litigationserves as acriticalmember of JCI'sGlobal Litigation Team focused on providing proactive,strategic,efficient,and cost effective management ofthe company'slitigationandpre-litigationwith a focus oncommercial and insured litigation.

TheAssociate Legal Directordrives risk management strategy and provides counsel and guidance to the business. TheAssociate Legal Directoralso protects JCI'sinterests as the ultimate client and strategically guides decisions to this end.

How you will do it:

  • Provide practical, business-savvylegal advicewith respect to a wide range oflitigation matters,includingcommercial,environmental,and insuredmatters affecting JCI'svarious business units.
  • Work with the in-house litigation team members to investigate, evaluate,and effectively counter threatened or pending litigation and disputes.
  • Create and deploy litigation and dispute resolution strategy and implement related tools to drive consistent management of litigation across North America.
  • Independently manage litigation matters, driving performance and ensuring efficiency, and being responsible and accountable for the results.
  • Drive adoption of best practices,including lessons learned, affirmative recovery analysis,and other risk mitigation strategies.
  • Assist with selection and management of outside legal service providers, including spend discipline.
  • Closely coordinate and collaborate with JCI's outside counsel, technical experts, and related third-parties, as well as key internalstakeholders, such asGovernment Relations, Communications,Compliance, Risk Management, Finance, and individual business units.
  • Proposeanddevelop legal programs to reduce JCI'slegal risk exposure.
  • Conduct litigationdue diligence of M&A matters.
  • Manage responsesto third-party subpoenas
  • Drive legal strategy and resolution in the company's prelitigation matters

What we look for:

Required

  • JD Degree; must be a member in good standing of a U.S. state bar.
  • Minimum 5-8years of related litigation experience in a major law firm, apublicly-heldmulti-national corporation, or both.
  • Experience in complexlitigation as well as arbitrations and mediations is required. Experience in multi-district litigation, construction,environmental,and/orproducts liability is preferred.
  • Experience in e-discovery and motion practice is required.
  • Experience managing litigation and arbitrations outside the U.S. is a plus.
  • Experience managing outside counsel is a plus.
  • Experience leveraging AI-enabled legal research and productivity tools to enhance efficiency, insights, and decision-making is a plus.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to make sound judgment calls under pressure.
  • Strong leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a matrixedmanagement structure.
  • Ability to drive process changes, resource efficiencies,and change managementin the provision of legal services.
  • Exceptional and demonstrated project management skills.
  • Ability to build positive relationships with seniormanagement, the business, andother membersof the legal teamand to influence outcomes positively.Experience providing risk assessments and insightful feedback to stakeholders is preferred.
  • This role requires current U.S. work authorization; employer sponsorship is not available.

This role requires candidates to be located in Washington, D.C. or Milwaukee, WI.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $160,000 -$200,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, location and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us

#LI-Hybrid

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.


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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US