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Legal Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Family Law Associate

Seattle, WA ยท Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Our client has been providing top-tier legal services to individuals, families, businesses, and ... Legal Associate Responsibilities: * Manage all phases of family law cases from intake through to ...

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

Legal Practice Assistant

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$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

High school diploma required; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred. * Minimum of 10 years of legal secretarial experience in a law firm or professional services environment. * Typing ...

New

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Legal Associate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$9

$33

$68

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Seattle, WA is $33.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $38.32 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Seattle, WA? For Legal Associate jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,653 per year, or $33 per hour.

Legal and Compliance Associate

Cercano Management

Bellevue, WA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Cercano Management LLC("Cercano")is a multi-family office that provides investment advisory services, including access to a range of alternative investment funds, while also offering clients acomprehensive suite of family office services.Cercanois based in Bellevue, WA, with offices in Minneapolis, MN,and Singapore. Cercano invests globally for its clients, commonly operating as the family office Chief Investment Officer.The team hasextensive experience in direct investing in all stages of venture capital, private equity, private credit, and public equitieson a global basis.

At Cercano, we focus on delivering to a select group of families, a client experience informed by the heritage, discretion, investment access, and alignment commonly associated with a single-family office. We dedicate ourselves to understanding each family's objectives and values and to developing customized, holistic solutions that support long-term growth and generational wealth preservation. Our goal is to serve as a trusted partner by offering services at the intersection of institutional investment management, alternative investment funds, operational capabilities, and family office services.

POSITIONMISSION

We are currently seekinga Legal and Compliance Associatewho will play an integral role in Cercano's Legal and Compliance Department,supporting theSenior Paralegal,Associate General Counsel,and Chief Compliance Officer.The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage legal and compliance matters with sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion. The role requiresstrong written and oral communication skills, the ability to work collaborativelywith internal and external stakeholders, and the capacity tothink critically, manage competing priorities,and presentinformation clearly andconfidently.

We are seeking acandidatewithrelevantexperience inlegal operations,corporategovernance,investment management,privatefund matters, transactional support, and regulatory compliance. Experience with SEC-registered investment advisers, private funds, securities law compliance, or financial services is strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist with the development, maintenance, and organization of legal and compliance records, document management systems, and knowledge management resources.
  • Support the review, coordination, and tracking of legal agreements, including confidentiality agreements, vendor contracts, subscription documents, operating agreements, side letters, and other fund or investment-related documentation.
  • Maintain databases and trackers for legal documents, regulatory filings, compliance certifications, employee activities, corporate governance matters, and other recurring legal and compliance processes.
  • Assist with corporate governance and transactional matters, including entity formation and maintenance, annual reporting, subscription materials, transfer documentation, closing binders, and internal approval processes.
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain structure charts, AML/KYC materials, investor or counterparty diligence materials, and responses to related requests.
  • Assist with regulatory and securities filings, including EDGAR filings,ADV,individual registrationsand other legal or compliance filings, as applicable.
  • Coordinate with attorneys, investment professionals, operations, finance, accounting, external counterparties, service providers, and consultants regarding project status, deadlines, documentation, and follow-up items.
  • Support compliance program administration, including employee certifications, personal trading processes, marketing review tracking, training records, annual review materials, vendor due diligence, and other compliance monitoring activities.
  • Liaise with finance and accounting to facilitate payment and tracking of legal and compliance invoices.
  • Schedule and coordinate internal and external meetings, conference calls, and follow-up items for legal and compliance matters.
  • Perform ad hoc legal, compliance, and administrative projects as needed.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion in all interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, experience, skill, and/or ability

Required

  • Relevant experience in a legal, compliance, corporate governance, investment management, private fund, financial services, or law firm environment.
  • Experience reviewing, drafting, organizing, and tracking agreements, legal documents, diligence materials, regulatory filings, or compliance records.
  • Excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. Must be highly organized and detail oriented and able to work both collaboratively and independently.
  • Professional demeanor, resourceful and able to handle multiple and changing priorities.
  • Strong work ethic, sound judgment, and commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with a demonstrated sense of urgency, responsiveness,and commitment.
  • Hybrid work schedule with preference fornot less thanthree days per week at Cercano's Bellevue, WAor Minneapolis, MNoffice


Computer skills

  • Proficiency inSharePoint andMicrosoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, OneNote, Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
  • Proficiency in contract lifecyclemanagement tools and e-signature platforms is helpful.
  • Proficiency in compliancesoftware systems is also helpful.


Education/experience/certifications

  • B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 2-3 years relevant legal, compliance, corporate governance, investment management, or financial services experience.
  • Paralegal certificate, compliance certification, or other relevant professional credentialbeneficial but not required.
  • Familiarity with investment management, private funds, corporate transactions, securities law compliance, or regulatory filings preferred.


SALARY RANGE: $81,170 - $121,760 annually, with a target hiring range of $81,170 - $101,460 based on experience, qualifications, and job-related factors.

SALARY DETAILS:


Pay will be based on multiple factors, including, and not limited to location, relevant experience/level and skillset while balancing internal equity. Our discretionary bonus program is in addition to the base compensation range listed above. Cercano is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.

TOTAL REWARDS:


Cercano offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with generous annual employer contribution, Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care, vacation and sick time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan with a generous employer match of 50% of your own contributions up to the standard annual IRS limit, company paid life insurance, and a Health and Wellness Benefit. Employees are also eligible for reimbursement for approved professional development activities.


Cercano Management LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, sex, disability, political ideology, or veteran status, or other protected class.