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Collection Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 are popular job titles related to Collection Attorney jobs in California? For Collection Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Collection Attorney jobs near you

Deputy City Attorney III

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office

CA • On-site

$170K - $249K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary : $170,526.96 - $249,328.08 Annually
Location : Fig Plaza
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-3550
Branch: Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
Division: Civil Litigation
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: LACAA - MOU 29
About Us
The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City of Los Angeles ("City") with the highest caliber of legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and playing a leading role in criminal justice reform to advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California.
Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide.
We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact.
Description
The Department of Water and Power Division acts as General Counsel to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), its officers and employees, and its Board of Commissioners. Division attorneys are responsible for legal representation, counsel and advice, and litigation related to DWP operations. The Civil Litigation (Tort) Section represents DWP in civil liability claims and litigation. The practice is active, interesting, and encompasses a large variety of cases, including personal injury, inverse condemnation, class actions, and wildfire litigation.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duties of this position will include aggressively defending the DWP, its officers, employees, and Board members from civil liability (tort) claims and litigation; advising and representing the DWP and its personnel on procedures to reduce claim and litigation exposure, and handling collection matters on behalf of the DWP involving damages to its property and reimbursable expenditures. Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
License to practice law in the State of California, three years' experience in civil trial preparation and actual trial experience in the California Superior Court (both limited and unlimited jurisdictions), knowledge of the California Government Code and its application to public entities; an understanding of claims for damages and claims procedures; and mediation and/or arbitration experience.
Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrated extensive research and writing skills;
  • Strong oral communication skills;
  • Inverse condemnation defense experience;
  • Litigation knowledge regarding dangerous condition of public property matters;
  • Experience with municipal law;
  • Experience in effectively dealing with public officials, departmental personnel and members of the public and,
  • Personal injury and property damage defense.

Requirements for Application
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Writing Sample personally authored in the last two years.

Supplemental Information
Current Location
221 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the City of Los Angeles.
Probation
Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two (2) year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the two (2) year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.
Classification
Current employees selected for this assignment will be placed through a lateral transfer and will retain their current classification.
Application and Deadline
Interested candidates should apply online. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
Conflict of Interest
This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict of Interest Code.
Contact
Questions? Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org.
AS A COVERED ENTITY UNDER TITLE Il OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND, UPON REQUEST, WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES. TO REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION AT (213) 978-7160.

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