Entry Level Staff Attorney Jobs
New grad staff attorney jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or law clinic experience can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles concentrated in Government & Public Sector, Law & Legal Services, and Education, with employers like ALTO USA, State of Connecticut, and State of Missouri hiring at this level now.
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At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan , which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride .
Departmental Overview
The Edley Center's mission is to defend and strengthen democratic institutions in the United States through actionable research and public leadership.
Position Summary
The Staff Attorney - Anti-Corruption supports substantive legal work for the Edley Center on Law & Democracy. This position exists because the Center engages in a wide range of legal research and advocacy that requires dedicated attorneys with civil litigation and policy experience. The Staff Attorney may work on state and local policy development in California as well as other states, amicus briefs, impact litigation, delivering on MOUs with government agencies, providing legal guidance to community partners and coalitions, and more.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is October 20, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
Case and Project Support
Supports Center cases and projects at the direction of the Executive Director.
Conducts legal research and writing on cases and projects that fall within the scope and focus of the Edley Center, routinely focusing on state authorities and countering public corruption.
Drafts and files amicus briefs, motions and other materials on a wide range of topics.
Mentorship and Coalition Coordination
Mentors and works with student intern researchers to provide feedback and manage projects.
Consults with coalition partners to meet litigation filing deadlines and policy deadlines.
Meets and consults with potential clients to file amicus briefs, offer advice memos, or training materials.
Liaises with Center partners and/or other stakeholders as necessary in order to gather information necessary to move litigation or policy projects forward.
Case Investigation and Development
Assists with case investigation and development:
Reviews and analyzes pending and enacted legislation.
Assists in determining scope, timing and direction of the investigations.
Reviews case records and filings, and analyze options.
Makes court appearances as needed.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Expertise in legal research, analysis, and advocacy strategy development.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to exercise sound judgement, use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Advanced project management and organizational skills.
Experience practicing civil law (litigation and or legislation/policy).
Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop creative and
strategic solutions.
Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
Thorough understanding of complex legal issues.
In-depth research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
Strong attention to detail.
Computer and technical skills, including proficiency in using standard productivity, communication, and video conferencing platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom); ability to learn and effectively use new software systems and digital tools as required to meet evolving program needs.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with and understand individuals from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced knowledge in civil or criminal law related to corruption.
Education / Training
Advanced degree in related area, such as a Juris Doctor. (Required)
Licenses / Certifications
A member in good standing of the CA Bar Association. (Required)
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000.00 - $136,710.00.
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
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Top Industries Hiring
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- Education
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Entry Level Staff Attorney Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level staff attorney job?
Focus on demonstrating hands-on legal work: law school clinics, externships, judicial internships, and pro bono projects all signal readiness to entry level employers. Tailor your writing samples and cover letter to the specific practice area each role serves. Employers at this level prioritize bar passage, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in the legal specialty over years of professional experience.
Which companies hire entry level staff attorneys?
Companies hiring entry level staff attorneys right now include ALTO USA, State of Connecticut, and State of Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a wide range of organizations, including public interest nonprofits, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and regional law firms that build their associate pipeline from new graduates.
Are there remote entry level staff attorney jobs?
Yes, though most entry level staff attorney roles still have an in-person or hybrid component. About 57% of entry level staff attorney openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with fully remote positions more common in document review, compliance, and certain government contractor roles than in litigation or courtroom-focused positions.
Are these new grad staff attorney jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior staff attorney roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes candidates with zero to two years of experience, accepts law clinic or internship work in place of full-time practice, and does not require prior bar admission at the time of application, making them accessible to candidates finishing their first year after law school.
Which industries hire the most entry level staff attorneys?
Entry Level staff attorney roles concentrate in Government & Public Sector, Law & Legal Services, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors tend to drive entry level hiring because they maintain in-house legal teams with high caseloads or compliance demands that benefit from bringing on junior attorneys who can be trained to the organization's specific legal needs.