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Research Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$174K/yr

The posting for the complimentary 0.1 FTE Legal Research Attorney position may be found posted on State of Colorado "Careers" webpage. The 20th Judicial District will be selecting one candidate to ...

Analyze legal issues, research relevant laws and regulations, and offer guidance to clients on the ... Attorneys represent clients in court proceedings, including trials, hearings, and motions. They ...

As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and representation ... Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. * Excellent ethical ...

As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and representation ... Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. * Excellent ethical ...

As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and representation ... Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. * Excellent ethical ...

As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and representation ... Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. * Excellent ethical ...

As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and representation ... Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. * Excellent ethical ...

As an Attorney, you will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and representation ... Demonstrated experience in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy. * Excellent ethical ...

Staff Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Staff Attorney will work under the direction of the Legal Director to conduct strategic ... Extensive research and analytical skills * A demonstrated commitment to diversity; a personal ...

The Staff Attorney will work under the direction of the Legal Director to conduct strategic ... Extensive research and analytical skills * A demonstrated commitment to diversity; a personal ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Attorney information

See salary details

$11K

$78.2K

$115.5K

How much do research attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research attorney in the United States is $78,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research attorney?

Research attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in conducting legal research and analysis to support attorneys, judges, or law firms. They review case law, statutes, legal precedents, and other relevant materials to prepare legal memoranda, briefs, and recommendations. Their work is essential in helping legal teams understand complex legal issues and make informed decisions. Research attorneys may work in courts, government agencies, private law firms, or corporate legal departments.

What are the main challenges research attorneys face when supporting litigation teams?

Research Attorneys often navigate tight deadlines and large volumes of complex legal information when supporting litigation teams. They must quickly identify and synthesize relevant case law, statutes, and legal precedents, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness under pressure. Collaboration with litigators and paralegals is key, as Research Attorneys provide foundational analysis that shapes legal strategies and filings. Staying updated on evolving legal trends and jurisdictional nuances is also essential to delivering effective research support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and a thorough understanding of relevant laws and precedents. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and citation management tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for producing accurate, well-supported legal analyses that inform case strategies and judicial decisions.

What is the difference between Research Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectResearch AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice lawAssociate degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, often working under attorneysSupport role assisting attorneys
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for legal research and analysis tasksCompared for support and research tasks

The main difference between a Research Attorney and a Paralegal lies in their credentials and responsibilities. Research Attorneys are licensed lawyers with a JD, capable of providing legal opinions and conducting complex legal research. Paralegals typically hold a certificate or associate degree and assist attorneys with research, document preparation, and administrative tasks. While both roles support legal work, Research Attorneys have a broader scope of legal authority and expertise.

More about Research Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Research Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Research Attorney job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Attorney jobs?

The most popular types of Research Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Research Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Attorney jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Research Attorney jobs?

For Research Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Attorney job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,234 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Magistrate - Part-Time

On-site

$174K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Code: 450500
Full Time Salary: $174,338.11

This posting may be used to create a Talent Pool. Talent Pools may be used for a period of 10 months after the closing date on a job posting.

Notice to Colorado Applicants:
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Judicial Department works to provide equal access to justice, contribute to public safety, and strengthen the rule of law across Colorado. Together our courts and probation departments are committed to impartial and timely dispute resolution; support for families, litigants, and victims; client rehabilitation; and meaningful community engagement.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement Of Duties:
Performs a variety of judicial duties in the Colorado Judicial System including deciding the merits of cases, hearing and evaluating evidence and witness credibility, analyzing laws and rules, making findings of fact and conclusions of law and issuing oral or written decisions and orders to resolve cases. Provides administrative direction for the operation of a judicial division including supervisory accountability for division staff, volunteers or interns.

Distinguishing Factors:
Work assignments are designated by the Chief Judge of the judicial district and can require performing judicial duties in any or all of the following areas: criminal, civil, juvenile, domestic relations, probate, traffic and other judicial proceedings. The Magistrate position reports to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and is not an elected position. A Magistrate serves in a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Candidates applying for this 0.9 FTE Magistrate position (36 hours per week) should also apply for the complimentary 0.1 FTE Legal Research Attorney position (4 hours per week). The posting for the complimentary 0.1 FTE Legal Research Attorney position may be found posted on State of Colorado "Careers" webpage.

The 20th Judicial District will be selecting one candidate to fill both the 0.9 FTE Magistrate position AND the 0.1 FTE Legal Research Attorney position. Candidates who do not apply to BOTH hiring requisitions will not be considered for either position.

Resumes and cover letters are optional and shall not substitute for the completed online application. Failing to submit a complete application may limit further consideration for the position.

The position will be based at the Boulder County Justice Center (1777 6th St. in Boulder), but entails weekly travel to the Longmont Courthouse (1035 Kimbark St. in Longmont). May also travel to the Boulder County Jail (3200 Airport Rd. in Boulder).

The position will work in person from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with an hour-long lunch break (Monday - Friday, excepting federal holidays). The position will also work some weekends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conducts the following judicial activities:

  • Initial appearance proceedings, including advisement of rights, setting bail, and imposition of conditions of release pending further proceedings;
  • Bond review hearings;
  • Preliminary and disposition hearings;
  • Arraignments on indictments and information;
  • Probable cause hearings pursuant to the Uniform Act for Out-of-State Parolee Supervision;
  • Hearings on modification of the terms and conditions of probation or deferred prosecutions and deferred sentences;
  • Settlement conferences;
  • Default hearings, including entering judgments and conducting post-judgment proceedings;
  • Conducting hearings and entering orders authorizing sales under power pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure;
  • Hearing motions for temporary and permanent orders for the establishment and modification for child support;
  • Hearings under the "Uniform Interstate Family Support Act";
  • Hearings under the "Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act";
  • Conduct hearings pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act for Child Support;
  • Hearings of establishment and enforcement;
  • Proceedings, including hearings, under the “Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act”;
  • Proceedings for the enforcement of orders for child support;
  • Hearings on motions, conduct trials to court, accept pleas of guilty, and impose sentences in misdemeanor, petty offense, and traffic offense matters;
  • Provides determination of motions relating to discovery and the mandatory disclosure requirements;
  • Deferred prosecution and deferred sentence proceedings in misdemeanor, petty offense, and traffic offense matters;
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.
  • Misdemeanor and petty offense proceedings pertaining to wildlife, parks and outdoor recreation;
  • Proceedings pertaining to recreational facilities districts, control and licensing of dogs, campfires, and general regulations;
  • Proceedings with regard to petitions for name change;
  • Trials and hearings on motions pursuant to small claims statutory provisions and rules;
  • Civil trials to court and hearings on motions;
  • Proceedings involving preliminary or permanent injunctions;
  • Default hearings, entering judgments and conducting post-judgment proceedings;
  • Conducts some types of prison inmate litigation;
  • Proceedings involving temporary restraining orders;
  • Proceedings in traffic infraction matters;
  • Preside over all types of cases under the Children's Code including delinquency, dependency and neglect actions, adoptions, relinquishments, truancy and paternity and support proceedings.
  • Enforces orders in all proceedings by the use of contempt of court when appropriate.
  • Acts as a master, mediator or arbitrator.
  • Orders presentence investigations.
  • Sets cases for disposition, trial, or sentencing before a judge.
  • Issues arrest and search warrants.
  • Enters pleas of guilty deferred prosecution and deferred sentence.
  • Determines motions relating to disclosure and discovery.
  • Performs any or all of the duties that may be delegated to or performed by a probate registrar, magistrate, or clerk.
  • Accepts stipulated agreements to pay child support and voluntary acknowledgements of support liability.
  • Performs solemnization of marriages.
  • Provides advisements and sets bail in criminal and traffic cases;
  • Issues restraining orders;
  • Attends meetings and training as required;
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisor Responsibilities:
This position requires administrative responsibility for the operation of a judicial division including supervisory accountability for division staff, volunteers, or interns. Plans, directs and coordinates activities for a judicial division. Additional duties include scheduling and assigning work, training in all facets of a judicial division’s operation, quality control, decision impacting the pay, status and tenure of staff, conducting performance appraisals and providing input into and participating in discipline, hiring and dismissal of staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school; possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Colorado and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Colorado. Applicants must have at least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney. For Magistrates hired to perform duties, exception to the experience qualification may apply in Class “C” or “D” counties as defined in Colorado State Statute 13-6-201 regarding Classification of Counties.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
This position is subject to many interruptions and may be required to handle multiple calls and inquiries at once. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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