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Recent Law Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Law Clerk

Columbia, SC · On-site

$30/hr

Recent law graduate from an ABA-accredited law school awaiting SC Bar results. * Transferring from out of state and preparing for the swearing-in. 02 Are you comfortable potentially completing an ...

Family Law Attorney

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

You are a newly licensed attorney or recent graduate ready to launch your career in a fast-paced ... While prior experience is not required, we value any exposure to family law through internships ...

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This position is ideal for a recent law school graduate or an attorney with 0-3 years of experience who is eager to learn, develop strong litigation skills, and grow within a fast-paced practice.

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Showing results 1-20

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.

Estate Planning Law Clerk

Soto Law Group, APC

Newport Beach, CA

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Do you love the idea of protecting people's assets along with protecting them in health crises? Do you want to provide a service we all need and want to get paid for it? Are you interested in Estate Planning? We have an opening for a law clerk position, and we need top talent! You will learn all aspects of Trusts, Wills, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Directives, along with conducting some legal research and case law to prepare memoranda on a variety of legal issues.


Other job duties may include assisting attorneys and paralegals with drafting documents such as deeds and estate planning documents. Your attention to detail and strong commitment to ethics will shine in your work product. If you’re a current law school student or recent graduate eager to work alongside legal professionals and jump-start your career in legal services, reach out today for consideration!

Compensation:

$18 - $21 hourly


Responsibilities:
  • Organize and maintain files to ensure information is up to date and deadlines are properly docketed
  • Draft legal memoranda with results of research in order to assist with the strategy for court proceedings
  • Conduct legal research to confirm cited legal authority for judges and attorneys
  • Put Estate planning binders together and work with Sr. paralegals and Attorneys on all aspects of clients' estate planning.

Qualifications:
  • Current law school student with a bachelor’s degree or recent law school graduate
  • Minimum one year of experience working in the legal industry
  • Plan to take or have already passed state bar exam
  • Display attention to detail and strong work ethic
  • Candidates must have great writing skills and communication skills to be able to argue effectively

About Company

We are a collaborative team of professionals. We work hard, and we play together too! It's a friendly office where we trust each other and value a work-life balance. We support personal and career development and also have quarterly team-building events.

Your experience and/or desire to work in the areas of Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Trust Administration, and Probate will add value to our team. We leverage technology and are looking for someone who is comfortable with Microsoft Office and various legal programs. You will have a strong work ethic, be highly organized, and have exceptional client relationship skills.