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Collection Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to the firm's knowledge-sharing culture. Qualifications: * J ... Compensation is fully collection-based (no salary), with no minimum billing quotas * Collaborative ...

Attorney

Westlake Village, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

CIVIL LITIGATION ATTORNEY Boutique • Focused • Elevated THE OPPORTUNITY You just passed the Bar or you're early in your litigation journey, and you're ready to actually litigate, not wait your ...

Attorney Supervisor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$12K - $16K/mo

... collection and probate matters) as well as employment law matters. The incumbent develops ... ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty Statement ...

In this role, The Business Immigration Attorney will closely liaise with client contacts, provide ... Annual Salary Range: $70,000-$105,000 Notice at Collection for California Applicants: -at ...

... and collection of electronically stored information (ESI). · Compliance and Case Management ... with attorneys and staff. * Time Management : Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time ...

Collections Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Partner closely with attorneys, partners, and firm leadership to resolve collection issues and improve recovery efforts * Handle escalated collection matters and complex client situations * Monitor ...

Partner closely with attorneys, partners, and firm leadership to resolve collection issues and improve recovery efforts * Handle escalated collection matters and complex client situations * Monitor ...

Collections Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Partner closely with attorneys, partners, and firm leadership to resolve collection issues and improve recovery efforts * Handle escalated collection matters and complex client situations * Monitor ...

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Collection Attorney information

See California salary details

$58.2K

$101.9K

$116K

How much do collection attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection attorney in California is $101,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Collection Attorney vs Debt Collector?

AspectCollection Attorney

A Collection Attorney is a licensed legal professional who specializes in debt collection, legal proceedings, and negotiations. They often work for law firms or creditors to recover unpaid debts through legal channels. A Debt Collector, on the other hand, is typically a non-legal professional or agency that contacts debtors to recover overdue payments, often following regulations but without legal authority to file lawsuits. Both roles focus on debt recovery but differ in credentials, legal authority, and work scope.

What are collection attorneys?

Collection attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in representing clients seeking to recover unpaid debts. They assist creditors, such as businesses or individuals, by initiating legal actions, negotiating settlements, and using various legal tools to collect outstanding amounts from debtors. Their work can involve contacting debtors, filing lawsuits, obtaining court judgments, and enforcing those judgments through wage garnishments or asset seizures. Collection attorneys must follow federal and state laws, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, to ensure ethical and legal debt recovery.

What are the typical challenges a Collection Attorney faces when negotiating with debtors or their legal representatives?

Collection Attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating complex debtor defenses, maintaining compliance with federal and state debt collection regulations, and balancing assertive recovery efforts with professionalism. Negotiations may require creative settlement structuring, clear documentation, and effective communication to reach agreements that satisfy both client objectives and legal requirements. Additionally, Collection Attorneys must be prepared to handle high caseloads and deadlines while collaborating with clients, paralegals, and sometimes opposing counsel to resolve disputes efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Collection Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and knowledge of debt collection laws and litigation procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and electronic filing systems is commonly required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in resolving disputes and representing clients. These abilities are crucial for ensuring compliance, maximizing recoveries, and maintaining professional client relationships in a challenging legal environment.
What job categories do people searching Collection Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Collection Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Collection Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Collection Attorney job openings:

Associate Attorney-Centralized Document Review

Gurstel Law Firm P C

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. – Associate Attorney-Centralized Document Review


JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a detail-oriented Associate Attorney with strong academic credentials to join our fast-paced, high-volume debt collection practice. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for collection law and thrives in a deadline-driven environment. This role focuses heavily on document review, regulatory compliance, and legal strategy within the consumer credit sector.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Compliance & Document Review: Review legal documents (Validation Notices, Affidavits, Notices of Intent, etc.) to ensure strict adherence to Federal and State regulatory laws and client-specific policies.
  • Legal Signing: Execute and sign documents in accordance with Firm Compliance procedures and State Attorney Review Requirements for licensed jurisdictions.
  • Litigation Support: Provide recommendations based on case law analysis; perform court appearances only as necessary in licensed states.
  • Strategic Planning: Assist in managing high volumes of information while maintaining quality control and strategic alignment with firm goals.
  • Adaptability: Position could include, as necessary, court appearances in the states in which the attorney is licensed and other duties as necessary and assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • Attend continuing education classes, webinars, and seminars to remain current and well-informed of any local, state, or federal changes in the law, rules of court or court procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • No courtroom experience is necessary or required.
  • Education & Licensure: J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in the State Bar with no disciplinary action.
  • Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal, state, and local laws. Proficiency in FDCPA regulations and legal database software is highly preferred.
  • Experience: No courtroom experience is necessary or required. Background in civil litigation is desired. Advanced knowledge of bankruptcy law, consumer credit, or contract negotiation is a significant plus.
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong legal research and analytical abilities.
  • Soft Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication; ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
  • Superior time management skills and ability to effectively manage priorities to meet business requirements and deadlines in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively across a broad spectrum of attorney and non-attorney recipients including all levels within the organization and external.
  • Ability to think globally by ways of strategic planning and risk management.

COMPETENCIES

  • Accountability 20%
  • Dependability 20%
  • Communication 20%
  • Compliance and Discipline 20%
  • Ethics & Integrity 20%

TRAVEL – This position requires travel to courts if needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • NO BILLABLE HOURS
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Pet Insurance, 401k, Profit Sharing, and Student Debt Retirement Savings Program.
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)/ Paid Holidays
  • Professional yet casual work environment
  • Bonus and Commission potential
  • Paid CLE’s & Dues

Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. (hereinafter “the Firm”) is multi-state litigation law firm representing creditors in all aspects of legal collection process. The Firm is headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota with offices in Arizona, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, and Wisconsin. Its practice is focused on the development of attorneys’ litigation skills, strategies and industry knowledge.

CULTURE At Gurstel, we operate on our Core Values of Doing Right, Achieving Results, and Maintaining our Integrity. We champion diversity and are a very fast-paced, enthusiastic group of people! Success is celebrated and we are looking for people who share those same values with the drive to exceed expectations and think outside the box! Our culture is what makes our Firm a fun and rewarding place to work.

EOE- Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/W/D/V) dedicated to diversity in the workplace and offers a great work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you are based in California, you can read information for California residents linked here