First-Year Associate Attorney (Class of 2027)

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) invites rising law students to join its First-Year Associate Program. Class of 2027 graduates will gain hands-on experience in complex litigation with mentorship from partners and seasoned litigators across the firm.

You will take on meaningful responsibilities from day one and develop skills across multiple practice areas. The program emphasizes a collaborative culture, direct client exposure, and professional development through training, evaluations, and real

Qualifications

• J.D. anticipated in Spring 2027 from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Strong academic standing.
• Law review, legal journal, trial advocacy, judicial internships, moot court or other relevant legal experience preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and professionalism.
• Interest in litigation and client advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Defend and litigate lawsuits involving a select range of firm represented practice areas and clients.
• Conduct legal research and analysis.
• Draft motions, pleadings, discovery requests, legal memoranda, and other litigation-related documents.
• Assist with depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trial preparation.
• Participate in client meetings and case strategy discussions.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas and offices.
• Develop strong advocacy, writing, and case management skills through hands-on experience and formal training programs.

Education

J.D. anticipated in Spring 2027

Job description

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) is a rapidly growing Am Law 200 firm, recognized nationally for its litigation and counseling practices. With attorneys across offices nationwide, FMG offers first-year associates’ meaningful responsibility, direct client exposure, and a collaborative environment designed to accelerate professional development. From the outset, associates work directly with partners, clients, and experienced litigators on sophisticated matters while building the foundation for a successful legal career.

About the Role

FMG is seeking highly motivated law students graduating in 2027 to join our First-Year Associate Program.

As a First-Year Associate, you will gain hands‑on experience working on complex litigation matters while receiving mentorship and training from experienced attorneys across the firm. Associates are entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and have the opportunity to contribute to client matters from day one.

Responsibilities

• Defend and litigate lawsuits involving a select range of firm represented practice areas and clients.
• Conduct legal research and analysis.
• Draft motions, pleadings, discovery requests, legal memoranda, and other litigation‑related documents.
• Assist with depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trial preparation.
• Participate in client meetings and case strategy discussions.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas and offices.
• Develop strong advocacy, writing, and case management skills through hands‑on experience and formal training programs.

Qualifications

• J.D. anticipated in Spring 2027 from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Strong academic standing.
• Law review, legal journal, trial advocacy, judicial internships, moot court or other relevant legal experience preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and professionalism.
• Interest in litigation and client advocacy.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Required Skills

• Excellent legal research skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Demonstrated leadership.
• Initiative.
• Professionalism.
• Interest in litigation and client advocacy.

Preferred Skills

• Legal journal experience.
• Trial advocacy experience.
• Other relevant legal experience.

Why FMG?

• Am Law 200 firm with a growing national platform.
• Direct access to partners and client-facing work.
• Meaningful responsibility early in your legal career.
• Comprehensive training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative culture focused on long‑term career growth.
• Exposure to sophisticated litigation and counseling matters across a wide range of industries.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by maintaining a workplace free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status as provided by law. FMG complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position is subject to our drug‑free workplace policy, which includes the ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screen. Employees may be subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Firm policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.