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Associate Attorney Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Finance Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$260K - $390K/yr

Finance Associate Attorney - San Francisco, California Direct Counsel is seeking a Finance Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm in its San Francisco office. This opportunity is ...

Segal McCambridge

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA

$115K - $165K/yr

Segal McCambridge, a nationally recognized litigation firm, is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Toxic Tort and Product Liability practice in San Francisco. This role offers a rare ...

CyberCoders

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Associate Attorney Associate Attorney - Personal Injury Litigation We are a nationally recognized litigation firm dedicated to representing individuals and families in complex, high stakes personal ...

Rincon Search

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

San Francisco boutique law firm specializing in representing plaintiffs in insurance coverage disputes seeks an associate with one to five years of experience to join their team. The attorney will ...

W3Global Inc.

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

We have partnered with a well-established plaintiff-side construction defect litigation firm in the San Francisco Bay Area that is seeking a Associate Attorney to join its team. This firm represents ...

Lydecker-LA LLP

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $250K/yr

Associate Attorney Location: California _____ Position Overview :  If you possess a strong work ethic and want to work in our California practice group, apply here! If you are looking for a higher ...

MG+M The Law Firm

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

MG+M The Law Firm (MG+M) is seeking Associate Attorneys to join our growing litigation team in any of our California office locations: Irvine, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Walnut Creek. We are ...

Modern Family Law

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Modern Family Law, a rapidly expanding national law firm specializing in Family Law, is seeking a hybrid Family Law Associate Attorney to join either our Oakland office. Unlike other law firms ...

Modern Family Law

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Modern Family Law, a rapidly expanding national law firm specializing in Family Law, is seeking a hybrid Family Law Associate Attorney to join either our Oakland office. Unlike other law firms ...

Modern Family Law

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Modern Family Law, a rapidly expanding national law firm specializing in Family Law, is seeking a hybrid Family Law Associate Attorney to join either our Oakland office. Unlike other law firms ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Attorney JobsAssociate Attorney Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Associate Attorney information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$51.3K

$120.6K

$192.3K

How much do associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate attorney in San Rafael, CA is $120,567.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $144,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssociate AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), licensed to practice lawAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, client counseling, drafting legal documents, court appearancesLegal research, document preparation, case organization, client communication

Associate Attorneys are licensed legal professionals who handle complex legal tasks and represent clients in court, while Paralegals support attorneys with research and document preparation without practicing law. Both roles are essential in legal settings, but Associate Attorneys have more advanced responsibilities and licensing requirements.

What does an associate attorney do?

Associate attorneys are early career lawyers who work for law firms to gain experience and hone their skills after completing law school and passing the bar exam for their state. Under the guidance of an experienced attorney or a partner in the firm, associate attorneys assist with cases by conducting legal research and writing reports, legal briefs, and other documents. Associate attorneys also negotiate with colleagues from other law firms, participate in jury selection, and help argue cases in court.

What is an associate attorney?

An Associate Attorney is a licensed lawyer who works at a law firm and typically has less experience than partners or senior attorneys. Their responsibilities often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, meeting with clients, and assisting with case preparation. Associate Attorneys usually work under the supervision of more senior lawyers and are on a partnership track, meaning they may eventually be considered for partnership in the firm. Their role is crucial for supporting the firm's legal work and gaining experience in various areas of law.

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

To thrive as an Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective case preparation, compliance with legal standards, and successful collaboration with clients and colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by associate attorneys in their first few years, and how can they overcome them?

Associate attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm, and learning to balance billable hour requirements with professional development. Building strong organizational and time-management skills is crucial to handle multiple cases and deadlines effectively. Additionally, seeking mentorship, actively communicating with senior attorneys, and asking for feedback can help associates navigate complex matters and grow professionally within the firm.
More about Associate Attorney jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in San Rafael, CA? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in San Rafael, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Attorney jobs in San Rafael, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Attorney jobs in San Rafael, CA are:
What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Associate Attorney jobs? Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Associate Attorney job openings:
Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Attorney job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,567 per year, or $58 per hour.

Bankruptcy Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$250K - $325K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Bankruptcy Associate Attorney
Location: Los Angeles, Irvine or San Francisco, CA
Practice Area: Bankruptcy, Receivership & Creditor Remedies

Direct Counsel is seeking a Bankruptcy Associate Attorney to join a highly regarded national law firm in its California offices. This role offers the opportunity to work with a sophisticated team handling complex bankruptcy, receivership, and creditor remedies matters for institutional clients across a range of industries.

Position Overview

The associate will play a key role in representing institutional lenders, creditors, and court-appointed receivers in a variety of commercial disputes and insolvency proceedings. This position is ideal for a motivated attorney with strong commercial litigation experience who is interested in developing deeper expertise in bankruptcy and creditor-side remedies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Represent institutional lenders, creditors, and court-appointed receivers in state and federal litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, and related commercial disputes.

  • Handle matters involving creditors’ rights and remedies, receiverships, bankruptcy proceedings, and commercial landlord/tenant disputes.

  • Develop and implement litigation and restructuring strategies designed to protect creditor interests, maximize recoveries, and mitigate regulatory and compliance risks.

  • Assist court-appointed receivers with asset recovery, operational oversight, liquidation, and distribution of proceeds to stakeholders.

  • Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal memoranda for complex commercial litigation and insolvency proceedings.

  • Conduct legal research and analysis related to bankruptcy law, receivership procedures, and creditor enforcement strategies.

  • Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice groups, including real estate, finance, securities, environmental, and labor.

  • Coordinate with external professionals such as regulators, forensic accountants, property managers, brokers, and financial advisors involved in restructuring and receivership matters.

Qualifications

  • 3–5 years of experience in commercial litigation, bankruptcy, or creditors’ rights matters.

  • Experience with receiverships, creditor remedies, bankruptcy proceedings, and commercial disputes is strongly preferred.

  • Prior experience representing lenders, creditors, or financial institutions is a plus.

  • AmLaw 200 firm experience preferred.

  • Bankruptcy clerkship is a plus.

  • Strong analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

  • Excellent academic credentials.

  • Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment while working collaboratively across practice areas.

  • Admission to the California State Bar required.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $250,000 – $325,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and job-related skills.