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Legal Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Bridgeview Law Group, PLLC

Be Seen First

Legal Secretary Receptionist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Associate Degree in Legal Studies or related field * Valid New York State Driver's License * Notary Public preferred * Proficiency in Microsoft Office * Knowledge of legal terminology * Strong time ...

O'Connell Electric Company

Associate Counsel

Victor, NY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Associate Counsel O'Connell Electric Company is looking for a hard-working and well-qualified ... Draft and proof edit legal documents and correspondence; * Prepare summaries and memos about ...

AutoNation

TAG AND TITLE ASSOCIATE

Hilton, NY · On-site

The Tag & Title Associate prepares legal transfer documents for the Department of Motor Vehicles, verifies and makes payoffs on vehicle trade-ins. What are the day-to-day responsibilities?

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All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY

Legal Associate information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$28

$59

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Rochester, NY is $28.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $33.22 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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Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,523 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Legal Assistant

S&A Legal Management Services, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Scott & Associates, P.C., operating in partnership with S&A Legal Management Services, Inc., is a legal recoveries organization committed to providing exceptional legal representation to industry clients.

We pledge to provide distinctive quality and unparalleled service. Each employee is essential to fulfilling our mission and achieving our vision through the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit.

We are currently seeking a Legal Assistant to join our Case Management & E-Filing team.


Position Summary

The Legal Assistant assists in the management of all case management duties as directed by the Legal Case Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities


The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:


  • Processing all incoming legal documents with urgency
  • Prepare documents for delivery to clients or internal staff ensuring all requisite attachments are present
  • Sorting, packaging, and mailing legal documents
  • Recording information in the Firm’s case management system
  • Obtaining legal documents from court websites
  • All other duties as designated by the Legal Case Manager.


Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • Proficient with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
  • Ability to work with databases and on-line technological platforms
  • Ability to operate basic office equipment such as a copy machine, fax machine, printer, scanner, and computer.
  • Ability to be self-reliant and able to initiate communication with management
  • Legal office experience or equivalent education
  • Knowledge of legal principles and legal terminology.
  • Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.
  • Ability to be detail-oriented, diligent, and flexible
  • Ability to handle conflicting time demands and focus on task completion with little direction or need for supervisory follow-up
  • Proficient command of the English language in both oral and written format
  • Ability to work and maintain patience with diversified individuals of various ethnic backgrounds and professional competencies
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in a professional manner
Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.


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