ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Goodwin

Conflicts Attorney

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Analyzes the more complex conflict reports. Assist Director and Managers in training and overseeing ... The attorneys and Ethics Advisory Committee rely upon the Conflicts Attorney's information in ...

Goodwin

Conflicts Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Analyzes the more complex conflict reports. Assist Director and Managers in training and overseeing ... The attorneys and Ethics Advisory Committee rely upon the Conflicts Attorney's information in ...

Goodwin

Conflicts Attorney

Los Angeles, CA

Analyzes the more complex conflict reports. Assist Director and Managers in training and overseeing ... The attorneys and Ethics Advisory Committee rely upon the Conflicts Attorney's information in ...

W3Global Inc.

Staff Attorney

San Francisco, CA

$72K - $105K/yr

Our client seeks a Staff Attorney to work with all attorneys and staff to assist with discovery tasks and effective case prosecution. The Staff Attorney's core job duties include a variety of ...

Sher Edling LLP

Staff Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$72K - $105K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Sher Edling seeks a Staff Attorney to work with all attorneys and staff to assist with discovery tasks and effective case prosecution. The Staff Attorney's core job ...

Sher Edling LLP

Staff Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$72K - $105K/yr

Sher Edling seeks a Staff Attorney to work with all attorneys and staff to assist with discovery tasks and effective case prosecution. The Staff Attorney's core job duties include a variety of ...

Department of Justice

Opinion Unit Attorney

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$11K - $16K/mo

Attorney General Rob Bonta is the State's chief law officer, responsible for ensuring that state ... Deputies assist Unit leadership with opinion intake, administrative functions, and other special ...

The Hiring Advisors

Trial Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

... and assist attorneys Maintain client relationships Prepare legal reports and documents Qualifications: Active license to practice law in the state of California JD 2+ years of experience in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAttorney JobsAssistant Attorney JobsAssistant Attorney Jobs in California

Assistant Attorney information

See California salary details

$52.3K

$85.3K

$136.7K

How much do assistant attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant attorney in California is $85,313.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you need to be an assistant attorney?

To become an assistant attorney, candidates typically need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and must pass the state bar examination. Strong legal research, writing skills, and relevant experience are also important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and negotiation skills help you stand out in handling cases and interacting with clients and colleagues. These skills ensure effective legal representation, efficient case handling, and positive outcomes for clients and the organization.

What does an assistant do for a lawyer?

An assistant attorney supports lawyers by conducting legal research, preparing documents, managing case files, and handling administrative tasks. They help ensure cases are organized and deadlines are met, often using legal software and maintaining confidentiality.

What are some common challenges Assistant Attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Assistant Attorneys often handle a high volume of cases at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining attention to detail. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for balancing court appearances, legal research, and client communications. Collaborating with senior attorneys and support staff can help distribute workload and ensure thorough case preparation. Regularly updating case files and proactively communicating with team members also helps prevent important details from slipping through the cracks.

What is the difference between Assistant Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssistant AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, government, corporate sectorLegal support roles, law firms, courts
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Attorneys are licensed legal professionals with a Juris Doctor degree and bar admission, often working directly on legal cases. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Assistant Attorneys have more responsibilities and legal authority compared to Paralegals.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

To earn $500,000 as an assistant attorney, professionals typically need to gain extensive experience, specialize in high-demand areas like corporate or intellectual property law, and work in large firms or secure senior positions. Developing strong negotiation skills, obtaining relevant certifications, and building a robust professional network can also contribute to higher earning potential.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For an assistant attorney, earning $900 an hour is considered very high, as typical hourly rates for assistant attorneys usually range from $50 to $200 depending on experience and location. Such rates are more common for senior or specialized attorneys rather than entry-level or assistant roles.

What does an Assistant Attorney do?

An Assistant Attorney is a legal professional who works under the supervision of a senior attorney or prosecutor, often within government agencies or law firms. Their primary responsibilities include researching legal issues, preparing legal documents, conducting investigations, and representing the government or their organization in court cases. Assistant Attorneys play a crucial role in case preparation, client interviews, and presenting arguments in court, particularly for criminal and civil matters. They assist in ensuring that justice is served and that legal processes are followed correctly.
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in California? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Attorney job openings:
Assistant Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Attorney job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,313 per year, or $41 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General

City of Sunnydale

El Segundo, CA

$76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description PLEASE NOTE: This posting is for demonstration purposes only. Please do not apply as this is not a true job opening. The Civil Appeals Division represents state agencies, officials, and employees in civil appeals pending in state and federal reviewing courts.

Those courts include the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Illinois Supreme Court, and all five districts of the Illinois Appellate Court. Most of the Division's cases originate in the civil litigation bureaus of the Office (for example, General Law or Revenue Litigation). The areas of law involved in these cases vary widely and include such diverse topics as constitutional law, administrative law, prisoner rights, labor law, tax law, employment discrimination, unemployment compensation, education, child support, jurisdiction, and immunities.

The Division also handles administrative review matters that proceed directly to the appellate court from state agencies such as the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Labor Relations Boards, Pollution Control Board, and Property Tax Appeal Board. Examples of Duties Attorneys in the Division manage their own caseloads under the guidance of the Division Chief, Deputy Division Chiefs, and Supervising Attorneys, and are responsible for briefing and arguing their own appeals. Typical Qualifications Candidates should have a minimum of three years of legal experience or an appellate clerkship, as well as a demonstrated interest in appellate work.

Attorneys with appellate experience in the state or federal courts preferred. Candidates must be licensed by the State of Illinois at the time of application. Supplemental Information Salaries are commensurate with the number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and start at $76,008.

Apply