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Civil Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Placer County

$113K - $195K/yr

The County Counsel is the civil attorney for the County and reports to the Board of Supervisors, with deputies practicing public law in transactions, housing, land use, environmental, litigation ...

CAIR San Diego

Civil Rights Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Civil Rights Attorney Work Location: San Diego, CA Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required. Position Status: Exempt Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000/year commensurate with skills and ...

Jobot

Civil Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $250K/yr

Hybrid Remote Civil Defense Attorney! This Jobot Job is hosted by: Sharon Brown Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume. Salary: $150,000 - $250 ...

CAIR San Diego

Civil Rights Attorney

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

CAIR-CA is seeking a dedicated attorney to advance and defend the civil and human rights of the American Muslim community at a time when those rights are increasingly under threat. This role offers a ...

YO AI Labs

Civil Rights Attorney - Remote

Palo Alto, CA · Remote

$140 - $400/hr

Civil Rights Attorney Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote (United States Only) Job Overview We are seeking experienced Civil Rights Attorneys to contribute their legal expertise to an innovative ...

Jobot

Civil Defense Attorney (Hybrid)

Vista, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $220K/yr

Salary: $120,000 - $220,000 per year A bit about us: ----- A well-regarded civil litigation firm in Southern California is seeking an attorney to join its defense practice. The firm handles a broad ...

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All JobsCivil Attorney JobsCivil Attorney Jobs in California

Civil Attorney information

See California salary details

$58.2K

$111.5K

$158.4K

How much do civil attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil attorney in California is $111,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a civil attorney?

Civil attorneys, also known as civil lawyers, specialize in non-criminal legal matters such as disputes involving contracts, property, family law, personal injury, and more. They represent clients in lawsuits where monetary damages or specific actions are sought, rather than criminal penalties. Civil attorneys can provide legal advice, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court. Their main goal is to protect their clients’ legal rights and interests in civil cases.

What does a civil attorney do?

A civil attorney handles litigation cases involving issues such as equality, human rights, social injustice, and discrimination. Civil attorneys do not generally handle criminal cases. As a civil attorney, your job duties involve conducting research on cases, drafting legal documents, and negotiating settlements. To pursue a career as a civil attorney, you need to complete law school and pass a state bar exam. Additional qualifications include deductive reasoning, public speaking, and writing skills.

What types of cases does a civil attorney typically handle, and how does the work vary between different practice areas?

Civil Attorneys handle a broad range of non-criminal legal disputes, such as contract issues, property disagreements, personal injury claims, and employment matters. The nature of the work can vary significantly depending on the attorney's specialization; for example, a personal injury lawyer may spend much of their time negotiating settlements, while a real estate attorney might focus on drafting documents and managing closings. Civil Attorneys often balance research, court appearances, client consultations, and collaboration with paralegals or other attorneys. The diversity of cases ensures that each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities, making adaptability and strong communication skills essential.

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

To thrive as a Civil Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong foundation in civil law, legal research, and case analysis. Proficiency with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and familiarity with court filing systems is essential. Outstanding negotiation, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure effective client representation, case strategy development, and successful navigation of complex legal proceedings.

What is the difference between Civil Attorney vs Family Lawyer?

AspectCivil AttorneyFamily Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, government agenciesLaw firms, courts, private practice
Industry UsageHandles civil disputes, contracts, property issuesHandles divorce, child custody, adoption

While both Civil Attorneys and Family Lawyers are licensed to practice law, Civil Attorneys focus on non-criminal civil disputes like contracts and property issues, whereas Family Lawyers specialize in legal matters related to family relationships such as divorce and child custody. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in similar environments, but their areas of expertise differ significantly.

More about Civil Attorney jobs

What cities in California are hiring for Civil Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Civil Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Civil Attorney jobs in CA?

For Civil Attorney jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Civil Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,510 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Civil Attorney-Employment Law

ES Management Group Inc.

Ontario, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position
Civil Attorney-Employment Law
Description
We are currently seeking an In-house Civil Attorney with 7+ years of experience in civil litigation and/or employment law. Experience handling discovery, interviewing witnesses, taking/defending depositions, handling motion work, making court appearances, participating in mediations, participating in arbitrations, defending class action suits, and/or preparing for and participating in trials is desired. Outstanding legal writing and research skills are required. Experience in employment law, including experience handling wage & hour issues, EEOC and DFEH complaints, Labor Commissioner hearings, and preparation of employee handbooks and policies is additionally desired.
Essential Job Functions:
Practice Areas: Civil Rights, Employment, Class Action Law, Bankruptcy Law, Torte contracts, PAGA Claims.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage and work on assigned litigation efforts, including, preparing pleadings, motions, discovery, and briefs
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting complaints, discovery, briefs, letters, and memos; and non-legal writing including drafting community advisories, issuing briefings, and reports.
  • Perform in-depth legal research.
  • Communicate with outside parties such as attorneys, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, media contacts, etc.
  • Perform legal research on relevant issues throughout the course of the litigation process.
  • Maintain communication with clients, carriers and opposing counsel through the course of the claim.
  • Conduct fact investigation; formulate, implement discovery and investigation plans.
  • Attend depositions; draft meet and confer letters to opposing counsel regarding discovery issues, dispositive motions, and trial preparation.
  • Represent the interests of the client(s) at hearings, trials, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and other proceedings.
  • Prepare clients for depositions and other applicable hearings.
  • Negotiate settlements on behalf of the client(s).
  • Educate and empower community members on their rights through community presentations and material distributions.

Position Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited school
  • California State Bar admission
  • Minimum of 5 years of strong civil litigation experience required.
  • Employment background and trial experience are greatly preferred.
  • Staffing agency experience preferred but not required.
  • Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience.
  • All forms of harassment and discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour, and class action / PAGA defense in civil litigation, administrative and arbitration forums.
  • Prior counseling advice for employers regarding labor and employment law compliance.
  • Business litigation experience.
  • Familiarity with Merus Case Management Software a plus

Location
ES Management - Corporate
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Shift
Days
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Pay scale
Starting at $ 250,000
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply