Associate Attorney Jobs in Virginia
Associate Attorney jobs in Virginia draw consistent demand across government contracting, corporate law, litigation, and regulatory compliance, with openings at every level from recent bar admittee to senior associate. The heaviest hiring concentrates in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, where firms and legal departments at organizations like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and McGuireWoods maintain ongoing associate attorney needs. The most sought-after specialties in the Virginia market are government contracts law, employment litigation, and corporate transactional work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Join The Spiggle Law Firm’s Mission to Protect Employees’ Rights
Are you an associate-level litigator who wants your work to matter? Do you care deeply about standing up for employees facing discrimination, retaliation, and unfair treatment at work? Since 2009, The Spiggle Law Firm has secured millions of dollars in settlements for employees across five states and built a reputation as trusted advocates in employment law.
We are a growing, employee-focused law firm seeking an Associate Litigation Attorney to join our Alexandria-based team and develop their career in a supportive, high-impact environment.
What Sets Our Associates Apart
- Flexible work arrangement: Hybrid schedule with remote work and a minimum of two days per week in our Alexandria office
- Full home office support: All necessary equipment provided
- Career development: Mentorship from senior attorneys, structured supervision, and support for professional growth
- Bar support: Assistance with Virginia Bar admission for qualified candidates; Maryland and DC admissions are a plus
- Competitive compensation: $1150,000-$145,000 base salary plus performance bonuses and end-of-year bonus potential
- Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; CLE reimbursement; bar dues covered; 401(k) eligibility after one year
- Efficient operations: We use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to ensure clarity, accountability, and a well-run practice
The Role
As an Associate Litigation Attorney, you will play a meaningful role in advancing clients’ cases while working closely with senior attorneys. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting in representing clients in MSPB and EEO matters
- Litigating employment cases before the EEOC and in state and federal courts
- Conducting and defending depositions with appropriate supervision
- Supporting cases through dispositive motions, including summary judgment
- Drafting pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and compelling demand letters
- Applying and developing knowledge of Title VII, FMLA, ADA, ERISA, and FLSA claims
- Counseling clients through stressful workplace disputes with professionalism and empathy
The Ideal Fit
You are a motivated associate who:
- Is proactive, organized, and eager to grow as a litigator
- Manages multiple matters effectively under supervision
- Works well in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Communicates clearly with clients, attorneys, and support staff
- Approaches complex problems thoughtfully and strategically
- Is comfortable working within billable hour expectations (1,700 hours annually)
Experience & Qualifications
- 3–5 years of litigation experience required
- At least one year of federal sector experience involving MSPB and EEO proceedings strongly preferred
- Experience litigating employment matters before the EEOC or in court is highly valued
- Prior deposition experience and exposure to summary judgment practice preferred
- Virginia Bar admission strongly preferred; candidates willing to waive in will be considered
- Maryland and/or DC Bar admission is a plus
- Labor and Employment litigation experience is highly desirable, though candidates with other relevant litigation backgrounds will be considered
Virginia Bar license preferred. We will consider candidates willing to waive in. Maryland and DC Bar admissions are a plus. Labor and Employment litigation experience highly valued.
Application Requirements
- Cover letter (including salary requirements)
- Resume
- Recent writing sample
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please send application materials to Melissa Mashigo at mmashigo@spigglelaw.com.
Learn more about our mission at www.spigglelaw.com and join us in becoming a trusted advocate for employees facing workplace injustice.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $115,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
See All 41 Associate Attorney Jobs in Virginia
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Find Associate Attorney JobsAssociate Attorney Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Attorney Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring

Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate attorney jobs across Virginia.
- Active Virginia State Bar membership or a license transferable under Virginia's bar admission rules
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Zero to four years of relevant legal practice or clerkship experience
- Strong legal research and writing skills demonstrated through writing samples or clerkship work
- Experience with contract review, litigation support, or regulatory filings in a relevant practice area
- Ability to manage multiple client matters under supervision of senior attorneys
Associate Attorney Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate attorney in Virginia?
You become an associate attorney in Virginia by earning a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and passing the Virginia Bar Examination, administered by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. After passing, you apply for admission to the Virginia State Bar, which licenses and regulates attorneys in the commonwealth. Graduates from states with bar reciprocity agreements may qualify for admission on motion without retaking the exam.
How much do associate attorneys make in Virginia?
Associate attorneys in Virginia earn a median of about $167,210 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $79,330 for the lowest 10% to over $320,220 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire associate attorneys in Virginia?
Employers hiring associate attorneys in Virginia right now include Kiernan Trebach, Veterans Prime, and Harness IP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal agencies and defense contractors in Northern Virginia means a significant share of associate attorney openings involve government contracts, national security, or administrative law practices.
Which Virginia cities have the most associate attorney jobs?
Alexandria, Richmond, and Virginia Beach have the most associate attorney openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia and the D.C. suburbs lead because of the dense cluster of federal agencies, defense contractors, and large law firm offices, while Richmond draws hiring through the state government, financial institutions, and firms with deep Virginia regulatory and litigation practices.
Are there remote associate attorney jobs in Virginia?
Yes, though they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since associate attorney work often involves court appearances, client meetings, and in-office collaboration. About 50% of associate attorney openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the most remote-compatible work appearing in transactional, compliance, and contract review roles rather than active litigation positions.
How can I get hired as a associate attorney in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a judicial clerkship with a Virginia state or federal court, which gives new graduates courtroom exposure and a credential that Virginia firms actively seek in associate candidates. Large firms in Richmond and Northern Virginia, including several AmLaw-ranked offices, run formal associate programs for recent bar admittees. Candidates who cannot secure a clerkship often transition from paralegal or law clerk roles at Virginia government agencies or in-house legal departments, with a strong writing sample and Virginia Bar membership providing the clearest competitive edge.
Where can I find and apply to associate attorney jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to associate attorney jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers hiring now. Search the listings, find roles that match your practice area and experience level, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 41 Associate Attorney Jobs in Virginia
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