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

Modern Family Law

Resident/Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$83K - $145K/yr

Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact and case management on matters involving divorce, child custody, financial support, and more. * The ...

Tyson & Mendes LLP

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Join Tyson & Mendes - Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation Associate Attorney Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required. At Tyson & Mendes, we're more than a ...

Tyson & Mendes LLP

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $160K/yr

Join Tyson & Mendes - Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation Associate Attorney Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required. At Tyson & Mendes, we're more than a ...

Estavillo Law Group

Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

Senior Attorney oversees and mentor junior attorneys and paralegals as needed. Requirements * Active California State Bar license in good standing. * Associate: Minimum 5 years of litigation ...

Modern Family Law

Resident/Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$83K - $145K/yr

Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact and case management on matters involving divorce, child custody, financial support, and more. * The ...

Tyson & Mendes LLP

Associate Attorney

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $160K/yr

Join Tyson & Mendes - Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation Associate Attorney Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required. At Tyson & Mendes, we're more than a ...

Modern Family Law

Resident/Associate Attorney

Oakland, CA · On-site

$83K - $145K/yr

Low billable hours requirement (100 per month) as an Associate Attorney. * Direct client contact and case management on matters involving divorce, child custody, financial support, and more. * The ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

San Francisco, CA

$260K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Environmental Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Environmental Associate Attorney to join the Energy & Infrastructure practice of a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, Silicon Valley (Menlo Park), or Washington, D.C.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3-5 years of environmental law experience to join a nationally recognized Energy & Infrastructure practice. The role focuses on environmental counseling, permitting, project development, and transactional support for sophisticated clients across the energy, infrastructure, and project finance sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Advise clients on federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

  • Provide environmental support for mergers and acquisitions, project finance transactions, and project development matters.

  • Assist clients with environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and due diligence.

  • Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, agreements, and other legal documents.

  • Coordinate with environmental consultants and technical advisors on complex matters.

  • Represent clients before federal and state regulatory agencies.

  • Manage multiple client matters while providing practical, business-focused legal advice.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams on sophisticated energy and infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Active membership in a U.S. state bar and eligibility to practice in the applicable office jurisdiction.

  • 3-5 years of environmental law experience at a major law firm or government agency.

  • Experience advising on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental aspects of mergers and acquisitions or project finance transactions.

  • Strong knowledge of major federal environmental statutes and regulatory frameworks.

  • Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

  • Commitment to exceptional client service and collaborative teamwork.

  • Strong academic credentials and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to practice.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $260,000-$365,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including:

    • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

    • Mental health and wellness programs

    • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

    • Short- and long-term disability coverage

    • Industry-leading parental leave

    • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

    • 401(k) retirement plan

    • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

    • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility