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Recent Law Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pre-Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This is a great position for a recent law graduate waiting to take the bar exam or a new attorney just starting their career. We are looking for candidates with 0-1 years of experience. Summary The ...

This opportunity is ideal for a motivated attorney or recent law graduate with a strong interest in insurance defense litigation, particularly bodily injury and automobile matters. The firm is ...

Pre-Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This is a great position for a recent law graduate waiting to take the bar exam or a new attorney just starting their career. We are looking for candidates with 0-1 years of experience. Summary The ...

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Recent Law Graduate information

See salary details

$21K

$55.4K

$90K

How much do recent law graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent law graduate in the United States is $55,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recent Law Graduate vs Law Clerk?

AspectRecent Law GraduateLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar exam eligibilityJD or law degree, often with bar admission
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsCourts, law firms, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level legal roles, internships, clerkship preparationAssisting judges or attorneys, legal research, drafting
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, a Recent Law Graduate is an individual who has recently completed their law degree and is preparing to enter the legal profession, often seeking entry-level positions or internships. A Law Clerk, on the other hand, is typically a recent graduate or law student working closely with judges or attorneys to assist with legal research and drafting. While both roles require a law degree, Law Clerks usually have more specific responsibilities within judicial or legal settings.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can a recent law graduate expect during their first year at a law firm?

As a recent law graduate starting at a law firm, you can expect to engage in a range of foundational tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting memos and briefs, assisting with document review during discovery, and helping to prepare for hearings or depositions. Collaboration with senior attorneys is common, and you'll likely attend client meetings or court proceedings in a support role. The first year is an important period for developing practical skills, learning firm-specific procedures, and building relationships within your team, all of which lay the groundwork for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recent Law Graduate, and why are they important?

As a Recent Law Graduate, strong legal research, critical thinking, and writing skills are crucial, supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and completion of the bar exam. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis and document management systems is typically expected. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively make candidates stand out in early legal roles. These skills and qualifications are vital for accurately analyzing legal issues, drafting documents, and supporting clients or senior attorneys effectively.

What are recent law graduates?

Recent law graduates are individuals who have recently completed their Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited law school. They may be in the process of preparing for or have just taken the bar exam and are often seeking entry-level legal positions such as law clerks, associates at law firms, or governmental legal roles. These graduates typically possess foundational knowledge of the law but may lack extensive practical experience. Many recent law graduates pursue internships, clerkships, or temporary legal positions to gain relevant experience before securing permanent roles.
More about Recent Law Graduate jobs
What cities are hiring for Recent Law Graduate jobs? Cities with the most Recent Law Graduate job openings:
What states have the most Recent Law Graduate jobs? States with the most job openings for Recent Law Graduate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recent Law Graduate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,419 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Law Graduate Fellow - Homeownership Protection Project

Law Graduate Fellow - Homeownership Protection Project

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF SAN BERNARDINO

San Diego, CA

$78K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Law Graduate Fellow – Homeownership Protection Project

Organization: Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB)
Location: San Bernardino County, California
Job Type: Full-Time, Fellowship (Grant-Funded, Limited Term)
Salary: $78,000 – $85,000 annually California

Position Overview

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB) seeks a recent law school graduate to serve as a Law Graduate Fellow supporting our Homeownership Protection Project. This fellowship is designed to expand access to legal services for low- and moderate-income homeowners facing foreclosure, title issues, heirs’ property disputes, predatory lending, and related housing instability matters.

This position offers hands-on litigation and advocacy experience under the supervision of experienced attorneys, along with structured mentorship and professional development. Fellows may qualify under the State Bar of California’s Provisional Licensure Program (PLLP), subject to eligibility requirements and LASSB’s supervisory capacity.

A CalHFA fellow must be a recent law school graduate who is within three years of graduation. There is no minimum time since graduation, only the three‑year maximum window. Graduates may also be PLLs, provided the grantee can meet the State Bar’s supervision and professional development requirements for provisionally licensed attorneys.

This is a grant-funded, limited-term position. Key Responsibilities
  • Provide direct legal services to eligible homeowners, including advice, brief services, and full representation.
  • Assist with foreclosure prevention, quiet title, probate-related property matters, mortgage servicing disputes, and related consumer issues.
  • Conduct client intake, case assessment, and legal research.
  • Draft pleadings, motions, correspondence, and settlement agreements.
  • Represent clients in administrative hearings and court proceedings (consistent with licensure status and supervision requirements).
  • Participate in community education and outreach efforts.
  • Maintain accurate case files and comply with grant reporting requirements.
  • Engage in ongoing mentorship and professional development activities.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • Recent law graduate awaiting California Bar results, sitting for the upcoming exam, or eligible under the State Bar of California’s Provisional Licensure Program.
  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and access to justice.
  • Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with low-income and diverse communities.
  • Ability to work independently under supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in housing, foreclosure defense, probate, consumer protection, or civil litigation.
  • Experience working with vulnerable or historically underserved communities.
  • Bilingual proficiency (Spanish preferred but not required).
Supervision & Professional Development

The Fellow will receive structured supervision from a licensed California attorney consistent with State Bar requirements. LASSB is committed to providing mentorship, substantive training, and professional growth opportunities to support the Fellow’s transition into full licensure and long-term public interest practice.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary range: $78,000 – $85,000 annually (commensurate with experience and funding parameters).
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (subject to eligibility).
  • Paid holidays and leave benefits in accordance with organizational policy.
  • Professional development support.
Equal Employment Opportunity

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, individuals from low-income communities, first-generation professionals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and members of historically underrepresented communities in the legal profession.

LASSB complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including California FEHA requirements. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, registered domestic partner status, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter describing your interest in public interest law and homeownership protection
  • Writing sample

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Note: Fellowship eligibility may include applicants hired as fellows and/or provisionally licensed lawyers (PLLs), subject to State Bar Provisional Licensure Program requirements and organizational capacity to provide appropriate supervision, professional development, and mentorship.