Legal Associate Jobs in New York
Legal associate jobs in New York are among the most active in the country, concentrated in corporate law, litigation, financial services regulation, and real estate across a market that ranges from entry-level staff attorneys to senior associates at major firms. Most hiring is centered in Manhattan, with additional demand in Brooklyn and White Plains, where firms like Skadden, Sullivan and Cromwell, and Cleary Gottlieb maintain large associate ranks. The most in-demand specialties include mergers and acquisitions, securities litigation, and commercial real estate transactions. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Associate Legal Counsel is responsible for providing a prominent level of Legal Administration services to address the basic legal needs of multiple clients.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Prepares client registration statement updates.
- Prepares other client SEC filings.
- Prepares and distributes all client board and committee materials.
- Attending board and committee meetings by telephone or if a client requests, in person, to record notes.
- Drafts the minutes of client board and committee meetings.
- Provides updates to clients on recent regulatory events and conducts basic regulatory research for clients on the Investment Company Act of 1940 that does not involve legal conclusions.
- Drafts Ultimus contract amendments for services provided to assigned clients.
- Ensures the completion of (or, if appropriate, completes) all internal compliance related documents for assigned clients, such as filing checklists in an accurate and timely manner.
- Ensures that the Legal Administration relationship with each assigned client is strong and that the client’s satisfaction level with the relationship remains high.
- Prepares relevant filings and documents for certain special regulatory add-on services such as building of new funds/trusts, proxy and information statements and Form N-14.
- Mentors associates through instruction, coaching, providing real-time on-the-job experiences, modeling effective practices, and advising on methods used.
- Serves on departmental committees, as requested.
- As appropriate, maintains regular contact with internal departments and external vendors/relationships with respect to meeting assigned clients’ needs.
- Engages in direct interaction with team members and may interact, on a limited basis, with clients.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- A J.D. and membership (or anticipated membership) in the bar of at least one state.
- 0-3 years of experience as a 1940 Act attorney.
- Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
- Relevant securities laws.
- Microsoft Office Suite.
- Adobe Acrobat.
- Client service skills with an aptitude for understanding the clients’ basic legal needs and how they are related to the clients’ business needs.
- Proficiency in written communication skills, including the ability to set forth legal principles in “plain English.”
- Legal research skills and an aptitude for legal analysis.
- Aligns associates with company values and goals.
- Plans and delegates the work of others.
- Motivates and inspires others.
- Assesses the performance of self and associates to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Plans and develops systems and procedures to improve operating quality and efficiency of department in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Troubleshoots issues utilizing creative and critical thinking skills.
- Multitasking, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Initiative-taking, strategic, and meticulous approaches with a strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
- Effectively uses resources such as time and information in conjunction with associates.
- Participates in solving problems and making decisions.
- Presents and expresses ideas and information, written and oral, clearly, and concisely.
- Actively listens to others to achieve understanding and supports an open exchange of ideas and information.
- Identifies needs, arranges for, and obtains resources to accomplish individual and department goals.
- Establishes and develops effective working relationships with associates and clientele during both favorable and unfavorable situations.
- Modifies team and individual priorities and deadlines in response to added information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles and ensures completion.
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Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Legal Associate Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in legal associate jobs across New York.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active New York State Bar admission
- One to three years of experience in corporate, litigation, or transactional legal work
- Strong legal research and writing skills using Westlaw or LexisNexis
- Ability to draft and review contracts, motions, briefs, and legal memoranda independently
- Experience working within a law firm, in-house legal team, or government legal office
- Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft Office suite
Legal Associate Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a legal associate in New York?
Becoming a legal associate in New York requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and passage of the New York State Bar Examination, administered by the New York State Board of Law Examiners. After passing the bar, candidates complete character and fitness review before admission. Most firms hire associates directly from law school recruiting cycles, with top New York firms running formal fall on-campus interview programs targeting second-year law students at accredited schools.
How much do legal associates make in New York?
Legal associates in New York earn a median of about $68,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,330 for the lowest 10% to over $115,720 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire legal associates in New York?
Employers hiring legal associates in New York right now include MILBANK LLP, EY, and SCOR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New York's dense concentration of Am Law 100 firms, major investment banks with in-house legal teams, and financial regulators makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for associate-level legal hiring.
Which New York cities have the most legal associate jobs?
New York, Albany, and New York State have the most legal associate openings in New York. Manhattan dominates because it is home to the headquarters of most major law firms and large corporate legal departments, while Brooklyn's growing tech and media sector drives demand there, and White Plains serves as a suburban hub for firms and corporations with Westchester County offices.
Are there remote legal associate jobs in New York?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical fields because legal associate work often involves court appearances, in-person client meetings, and confidential document handling. About 67% of legal associate openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and the roles most likely to allow flexible arrangements are those focused on contract review, legal research, and compliance work rather than litigation or transactional closings.
How can I get hired as a legal associate in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a summer associate program at a New York law firm, which routinely converts to full-time offers for law students who perform well. Large firms including those in the Am Law 100 with New York offices run structured summer programs for first and second-year law students. Candidates without firm experience can also move in from judicial clerkships in the Southern or Eastern District of New York, which are highly valued by Manhattan firms, or from public sector roles at the New York Attorney General's office or district attorney offices.
Where can I find and apply to legal associate jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to legal associate jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the New York market. Search the listings to find roles that match your practice area, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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