First-Year Attorney

First-Year Attorney job description

First-year attorneys support legal teams by conducting legal research, drafting briefs, reviewing documents and assisting with case preparation. They work under the supervision of senior attorneys to gain hands-on experience in litigation, transactional work or regulatory matters. This role is typically for recent law school graduates eager to build a strong foundation in legal practice and contribute to client service from day one.

Typical first-year attorney duties:

Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations and case law

Draft legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, memos and correspondence

Assist with case preparation, including discovery, depositions and trial support

Review and summarize legal documents and client materials

Attend client meetings, hearings and negotiations with supervising attorneys

Support due diligence efforts in corporate transactions or compliance reviews

Maintain organized case files and ensure timely updates to legal databases

Collaborate with legal teams to develop strategies and deliver client solutions

Monitor legal developments relevant to client matters and practice areas

Uphold ethical standards and maintain client confidentiality

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Case management software

Civil litigation

Commercial contracts

Depositions

Discovery

Employment law

Legal research

Mergers and acquisitions

Real estate and leasing

National salary range for First-Year Attorney

82750 - 131500

Low

82750

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.

Mid

102000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.

High

131500

The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

Attorney, 10+ Years' Experience

165500

205250

248250

Attorney, 4-9 Years' Experience

113750

145500

185250

Attorney, 2-3 Years' Experience

101000

128000

157500

Business and Ethics Attorney

104250

149750

186500

Director of Legal Administration

118250

162500

205000

Patent Agent

114750

135000

160250

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