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Associate Counsel Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Counsel Attorney information

What does an associate counsel attorney do?

An Associate Counsel Attorney provides legal advice and support to an organization or law firm, typically working under the direction of more senior attorneys or general counsel. Their responsibilities can include researching legal issues, drafting and reviewing contracts, assisting with litigation, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and representing the organization's interests in legal matters. Associate Counsel Attorneys often collaborate with other departments to address legal concerns and help mitigate potential risks.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an associate counsel attorney?

To thrive as an Associate Counsel Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar membership, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, as well as document management systems, is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation abilities help build strong client relationships and navigate complex legal matters. These skills ensure effective legal representation, minimize risk, and support the organization's compliance and strategic objectives.

How does an associate counsel attorney typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Associate Counsel Attorneys often work closely with various departments, such as HR, compliance, finance, and operations, to provide legal advice and ensure the organization's activities align with relevant laws and regulations. They may participate in cross-functional meetings, review contracts, and help develop internal policies. Regular collaboration helps them understand business needs, anticipate legal risks, and proactively address potential issues. This teamwork also builds strong relationships across the organization and deepens the attorney’s understanding of the company’s operations.

What is the difference between Associate Counsel Attorney vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectAssociate Counsel AttorneyCorporate Counsel
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, consultingIn-house legal department of a corporation
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, corporations, governmentCorporations across industries
Common Search/ComparisonLegal roles, entry-level or mid-level attorneysIn-house legal roles, corporate legal team

Associate Counsel Attorney and Corporate Counsel both require a Juris Doctor and bar admission, but Associate Counsel typically works in law firms or legal departments, while Corporate Counsel is employed directly within a company's legal team. The roles differ mainly in work setting and responsibilities, with Corporate Counsel focusing on in-house legal matters specific to the company's operations.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Counsel Attorney jobs in California?

For Associate Counsel Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Counsel Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Counsel Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Counsel Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Counsel Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Counsel Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Labor & Employment Counsel Attorney

Los Angeles, CA

Direct Counsel
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees

$350K - $450K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Labor & Employment Counsel

Locations: San Francisco, CA | Los Angeles, CA
Salary: $350,000–$450,000

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Counsel to join a leading global law firm's Labor & Employment practice in San Francisco or Los Angeles. This opportunity is ideal for a senior attorney with 10+ years of employment litigation experience, including substantial experience handling single-plaintiff matters and wage-and-hour class actions.

The successful candidate will independently manage a sophisticated caseload, lead litigation strategy, supervise associates and legal staff, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients. This role also offers significant opportunities to contribute to business development and the continued growth of a collaborative, high-performing practice.

Responsibilities
  • Independently manage a full caseload of complex employment litigation matters.

  • Handle all phases of litigation from case inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, trial, and appeal, as appropriate.

  • Serve as lead counsel or day-to-day case manager on significant employment litigation matters.

  • Represent employers in single-plaintiff employment disputes and wage-and-hour class actions.

  • Develop and execute litigation strategy in collaboration with clients and firm leadership.

  • Take and defend depositions and conduct witness preparation.

  • Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions.

  • Appear in court and handle hearings and other courtroom proceedings.

  • Supervise associates, paralegals, and other legal staff.

  • Delegate work effectively while maintaining responsibility for the quality and progress of matters.

  • Serve as a primary client contact and develop strong, long-term client relationships.

  • Provide employment advice and counseling to clients as needed.

  • Manage multiple complex matters, deadlines, and client priorities simultaneously.

  • Contribute to business development initiatives and help expand existing client relationships.

  • Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's broader Labor & Employment and litigation practices.

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school.

  • 10+ years of employment litigation experience.

  • Substantial experience handling single-plaintiff employment matters and wage-and-hour class actions.

  • Significant experience managing complex litigation matters independently.

  • Extensive deposition and courtroom experience, including arguing motions and handling hearings.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead litigation strategy and serve as the primary case manager.

  • Experience supervising and mentoring associates and legal staff.

  • Strong project management and organizational skills.

  • Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.

  • Strong client relationship and communication skills.

  • Experience with employment advice and counseling is preferred.

  • Demonstrated interest and ability in business development and client relationship growth.

  • Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment.

  • Active California Bar admission required.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary of $350,000–$450,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

  • 401(k) retirement plan.

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

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

  • Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.

  • Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.

  • Paid family leave, sick time, and vacation.

  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.

  • College savings and education assistance programs.

  • Transportation benefits.

  • Backup childcare and pet insurance.

  • Excess liability insurance.

  • Opportunity to take a leadership role in a sophisticated Labor & Employment practice while handling high-level litigation, developing client relationships, supervising attorneys, and contributing to business development.