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Associate Counsel Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Appian is seeking an Associate Counsel to work within our technology legal team, which partners directly with departments throughout the organization to provide legal guidance and supports our ...

Associate Counsel

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125K - $250K/yr

Appian is seeking an Associate Counsel to work within our technology legal team, which partners directly with departments throughout the organization to provide legal guidance and supports our ...

Appian is seeking an Associate Counsel to work within our technology legal team, which partners directly with departments throughout the organization to provide legal guidance and supports our ...

Associate Counsel

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125 - $250/hr

Appian is seeking an Associate Counsel to work within our technology legal team, which partners directly with departments throughout the organization to provide legal guidance and supports our ...

New

Associate Counsel

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$170K - $210K/yr

Nestle, the world's largest food company, is seeking a skilled Associate Counsel to join our Acquisitions, Business Development & Commercial (ABC) Transactions Team, which provides legal support for ...

Associate Risk Counsel

Vienna, VA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

The Associate Risk Counsel will gain exposure to diverse areas of law, including commercial contracting, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters, regulatory compliance, risk management, and ...

Associate Risk Counsel

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$135K - $145K/yr

The Associate Risk Counsel will gain exposure to diverse areas of law, including commercial contracting, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters, regulatory compliance, risk management, and ...

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Associate Counsel information

See Reston, VA salary details

$44.7K

$152.2K

$219.5K

How much do associate counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate counsel in Reston, VA is $152,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $197,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Associate Counsel, you need a strong legal education (JD or equivalent), bar admission, and expertise in legal research, analysis, and drafting. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and document management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal advice, risk mitigation, and valuable support to clients or the organization.

Is associate counsel a good job?

Associate counsel is a legal position that involves providing legal advice, drafting documents, and supporting senior attorneys. It typically requires a law degree and bar admission, with work often involving research, negotiation, and compliance tasks. The role can offer career advancement and specialization opportunities within a law firm or corporate legal department.

What does an associate counsel do?

An Associate Counsel is a legal professional who supports an organization's legal department by providing advice on contracts, compliance, risk management, and regulatory matters. They often draft and review legal documents, conduct legal research, and assist senior counsel or general counsel with litigation and internal investigations. Associate Counsel typically work closely with various departments to ensure the organization operates within the law and helps protect the company from legal risks.

What types of legal matters does an associate counsel typically handle on a day-to-day basis?

As an Associate Counsel, you can expect to work on a broad range of legal tasks such as drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting legal research, assisting in compliance reviews, and supporting senior attorneys with litigation or regulatory matters. You may also interact with various departments like HR, finance, and operations to provide legal guidance and ensure organizational compliance. The role often requires juggling multiple projects simultaneously, making time management and communication skills essential.

What is the difference between Associate Counsel vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectAssociate CounselCorporate Counsel
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, consultingIn-house legal teams, corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, corporations, governmentCorporations, large businesses
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Associate Counsel typically works in law firms or legal departments providing legal advice on various issues, while Corporate Counsel is an in-house lawyer focusing on corporate legal matters within a company. Both roles require a JD and bar admission, but their work environments and employer types differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the legal industry.

What does it mean to be an associate counsel?

An associate counsel is a legal professional who provides legal advice and support within an organization or law firm, often handling specific areas of law such as contracts, compliance, or litigation. They typically have a law degree, pass the bar exam, and possess strong analytical and communication skills to assist senior attorneys and clients.
What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Counsel jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Counsel jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Counsel job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Counsel job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,183 per year, or $73.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Appian is seeking an Associate Counsel to work within our technology legal team, which partners directly with departments throughout the organization to provide legal guidance and supports our contracts team in complex contract negotiations where specialized knowledge is required. In this role, the counsel will directly support the marketing group and will assist other members of the technology legal team and contracts team on issues related to security, privacy, AI, and intellectual property in the context of complex software contract negotiations.

This role is based at our HQ in McLean, VA. Appian was built on a culture of in-person collaboration, which we believe is a key driver of our mission to be the best. Employees hired for this position are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to foster that culture and ensure we continue to thrive through shared ideas and teamwork. We believe being in the office provides more opportunities to come together and celebrate working with the exceptional people across Appian.

What You'll Do
  • Partner closely with the global marketing organization to conduct legal reviews of promotional campaigns, public disclosures, and brand collateral, ensuring compliance with consumer protection and advertising laws.

  • Support complex enterprise contract reviews by providing specialized legal counsel on technical issues involving corporate security, data privacy, and cloud infrastructure.

  • Draft and negotiate specialized technology clauses, including security terms, data terms, and AI terms, to accelerate commercial velocity.

  • Evaluate legal risks, regulatory developments, and data compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

  • Active bar membership in good standing.

  • 2+ years of experience as a practicing attorney, either in-house or within a corporate counsel setting at a technology company.

  • Proven experience handling legal matters related to marketing compliance, data privacy, or information security frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A technical background and demonstrated experience understanding software.

  • Experience with AI technology, both within the legal space and in software.

  • Familiarity with global security and privacy frameworks.

  • Experience reviewing and negotiating DPAs, Security Addendums, and legal terms around deployment of AI systems.