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Staff Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Newport News

STAFF ATTORNEY

Newport News, VA · On-site

$115K/yr

STAFF ATTORNEY Apply FOR STAFF ATTORNEY Title: Staff Attorney Department: Circuit Court Judges - Administration Salary: $115,000 JOB SUMMARY This position performs a variety of professional legal ...

Cooley

Conflicts Staff Attorney

Reston, VA · On-site

Conflicts Staff Attorney Cooley is seeking a Conflicts Staff Attorney to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team. Position summary: The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the ...

Cooley LLP

Conflicts Staff Attorney

Reston, VA · On-site

Conflicts Staff Attorney Cooley is seeking a Conflicts Staff Attorney to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team. Position summary: The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the ...

Church World Service

Staff Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · Hybrid

Represent CWS clients as primary attorney of record at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master/Individual Calendar Hearings; and submission of ...

Church World Service

Staff Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$66K - $83K/yr

Represent CWS clients as primary attorney of record at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master/Individual Calendar Hearings; and submission of ...

Church World Service

Staff Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · Hybrid

Represent CWS clients as primary attorney of record at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master/Individual Calendar Hearings; and submission of ...

Stouffer Legal

Managing Attorney

Sterling, VA · On-site

$120K/yr

The firm fosters a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented environment where attorneys and staff are empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to the firm's long-term success.

Stouffer Legal

Managing Attorney

Sterling, VA · On-site

$175K/yr

The firm fosters a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented environment where attorneys and staff are empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to the firm's long-term success.

Stouffer Legal

Managing Attorney

Sterling, VA

$175K/yr

The firm fosters a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented environment where attorneys and staff are empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to the firm's long-term success.

Raftelis

County Attorney

Orange, VA

The next County Attorney will have the chance to shape how the County approaches these ... The County employs staff across a range of departments, including Development Services, Finance ...

Raftelis

County Attorney

Orange, VA · On-site

The next County Attorney will have the chance to shape how the County approaches these ... The County employs staff across a range of departments, including Development Services, Finance ...

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Trial Attorney

Richmond, VA

From attorneys in all 50 states, to client support staff, creative marketing to operations teams, every member of our firm has a key role to play in the winning fight for consumer rights. Some ...

Stouffer Legal

Managing Attorney

Sterling, VA · On-site

$175K/yr

The firm fosters a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented environment where attorneys and staff are empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to the firm's long-term success.

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Trial Attorney

Richmond, VA

From attorneys in all 50 states, to client support staff, creative marketing to operations teams, every member of our firm has a key role to play in the winning fight for consumer rights. Some ...

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Trial Attorney

Richmond, VA · On-site

From attorneys in all 50 states, to client support staff, creative marketing to operations teams, every member of our firm has a key role to play in the winning fight for consumer rights. Our over 6 ...

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All JobsStaff Attorney JobsStaff Attorney Jobs in Virginia

Staff Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$50.1K

$90.7K

$150.2K

How much do staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff attorney in Virginia is $90,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney works for a law firm or another organization. Staff attorneys are associates with law degrees who have passed the Bar Exam in their states. They research, analyze, and write about complex legal issues. Duties and responsibilities of all staff attorney jobs include legal research and support to the partners in a law firm. Staff attorneys may also draft portions of legal opinions based on their research as well as verify cited sources, and review documents at the request of a partner. Staff attorney is a good position for attorneys who wish to continue in the legal profession.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a licensed lawyer employed by an organization, law firm, nonprofit, or government agency to provide legal advice, conduct research, draft documents, and represent clients or the organization in legal matters. Unlike partners or associates who may have client development or managerial responsibilities, staff attorneys typically focus on substantive legal work and supporting ongoing cases. Their duties often include reviewing and preparing legal documents, assisting with litigation, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Staff attorneys play a vital role in supporting legal teams and ensuring that legal services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff attorney?

To thrive as a Staff Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, and writing abilities. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in supporting clients and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality legal counsel, ensuring compliance, and effectively managing caseloads in a legal environment.

What are some common challenges staff attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Staff Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases, each with distinct deadlines and documentation requirements. Balancing priorities while maintaining attention to detail can be challenging, especially when urgent matters arise unexpectedly. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential for meeting court deadlines and collaborating with colleagues, such as paralegals and senior attorneys. Regular communication with team members and leveraging case management software can help alleviate these challenges and ensure smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Staff Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectStaff AttorneyAssociate Attorney
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, nonprofitsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal organizations, nonprofits, governmentPrivate law firms, corporate legal departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, responsibilitiesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

Both Staff Attorneys and Associate Attorneys typically hold a JD and are bar-certified. Staff Attorneys often work in legal departments or nonprofits, focusing on specific legal tasks without client management, while Associate Attorneys usually work in law firms or corporate settings, handling client cases and gaining experience. The roles are similar but differ mainly in work environment and responsibilities, with Staff Attorneys often having more specialized or in-house roles.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a staff attorney?

Yes, a staff attorney typically must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they practice, as it is a requirement to provide legal services and represent clients. Licensing ensures they are qualified to interpret and apply the law professionally. Some positions may also require ongoing legal education or certification renewal.

How much do staff attorneys make in the US?

Staff attorneys in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and sector. Salaries can vary widely based on whether they work in government, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, and often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
More about Staff Attorney jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Attorney jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Staff Attorney jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Staff Attorney jobs in Virginia?

For Staff Attorney jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Staff Attorney jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Staff Attorney jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Staff Attorney jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Staff Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Staff Attorney jobs in VA?

For Staff Attorney jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Staff Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,662 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

STAFF ATTORNEY

City of Newport News

Newport News, VA • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

City Of Newport News rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

STAFF ATTORNEY
Apply
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR STAFF ATTORNEY Title: Staff Attorney Department: Circuit Court Judges - Administration Salary: $115,000 JOB SUMMARY This position performs a variety of professional legal work, legal research, and legal consultation for Circuit Court Judges and staff; provides overall training, direction and supervision to law clerks. Reports to the Circuit Court Judges pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1638.1. QUALIFICATIONS - Requires a Juris Doctorate degree. - Licensed by the Virginia State Bar to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia (those awaiting bar results may also apply). ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS - Perform legal research on a variety of issues and present findings to the Circuit Court Judges. - Write bench briefs, memoranda, and case summaries for presentation to the Circuit Court Judges. - Draft formal legal opinions and court orders for review by the Circuit Court Judges. - Review a variety of order's, petitions, and motions submitted to the Judges to ensure they comply with statutory requirements. - Review cases several days prior to trial, preparing factual summaries, identifying issues, and apprising judge of anticipated jurisdictional, procedural, or evidentiary problems. - Attend court to listen to the evidence and argument to assist the Circuit Court Judge. - Prepare and/or review proposed responses to correspondence received by the Circuit Court Judges. - Provide guidance to support staff and law clerks. - Oversee the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of the law clerks. - Stay current with recent legal developments, both statutory and case law, impacting the court and its procedures. - Respond to telephone inquiries from Attorneys or other persons, concerning procedural matters. - Perform other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by the Circuit Court Judges based on current workload and department need. - Able to deal effectively with challenging and changing deadlines; speak effectively with Judges.
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Location : CIRCUIT COURT
Posting Start : 08/05/2026
Posting End : 08/26/2026
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