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Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Litigation Counsel

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $230K/yr

Litigation Counsel California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, or Sacramento) Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Counsel to join a highly regarded mid-sized law firm with a ...

Direct Counsel

Litigation Counsel Attorney

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $230K/yr

Litigation Counsel California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, or Sacramento) Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Counsel to join a highly regarded mid-sized law firm with a ...

Direct Counsel

Labor & Employment Counsel

New York, NY

$285K - $310K/yr

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 50 firm seeking a for its New York office . This role is within the firm's renowned Labor & Employment Department , with a focus on hospitality industry ...

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Counsel information

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$33.5K

$139.4K

$234.5K

How much do counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for counsel in the United States is $139,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $197,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as Counsel, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of relevant legal frameworks and case law. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for providing effective legal advice, mitigating risk, and advocating for clients or organizations.

What types of collaboration can Counsel expect with other departments within an organization?

Counsel regularly collaborates with various departments such as Human Resources, Compliance, Finance, and Operations to provide legal guidance on company policies, contracts, and risk management. This cross-functional teamwork helps ensure that business decisions are legally sound and aligned with organizational goals. Counsel may attend interdepartmental meetings, review documentation, and advise on regulatory compliance, making strong communication and relationship-building skills essential. These collaborations also offer opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of the business and can pave the way for career advancement into more strategic legal or leadership roles.

What are Counsel?

Counsel are legal professionals who provide advice, guidance, and representation to individuals, organizations, or companies on legal matters. They may work within law firms, corporations, or government agencies, and their responsibilities often include drafting legal documents, negotiating contracts, representing clients in court, and offering strategic legal solutions. In some organizations, 'Counsel' refers to an in-house lawyer who supports business operations and ensures compliance with laws and regulations. Their expertise helps clients navigate complex legal issues and minimize risks.

What is the difference between Counsel vs Paralegal?

AspectCounselParalegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree, licensed attorneyAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, courtsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, case strategy, representing clientsLegal research, document preparation, case support

In summary, Counsel are licensed attorneys responsible for providing legal advice and representing clients, while Paralegals support legal teams through research and document handling without practicing law. Both roles are essential in the legal industry but differ significantly in credentials and responsibilities.

More about Counsel jobs
What cities are hiring for Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Counsel jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Counsel jobs? The top employers for Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Counsel jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Counsel jobs? For Counsel jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Counsel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,438 per year, or $67 per hour.

Litigation Counsel

Direct Counsel

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$175K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Litigation Counsel

California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, or Sacramento)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Counsel to join a highly regarded mid-sized law firm with a sophisticated litigation platform across California.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior attorney with 8+ years of litigation experience to handle complex, high-impact matters involving constitutional rights, real estate disputes, and business torts. The role offers significant autonomy, substantive motion practice, and the opportunity to take ownership of multiple major matters in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in state and federal court litigation, particularly briefing and motion practice.

Key Responsibilities
  • Drafting briefs, dispositive motions, and complex written advocacy
  • Handling litigation involving:
    • Constitutional rights
    • Real estate disputes
    • Business torts
  • Managing matters in state and federal courts
  • Developing case strategy and taking ownership of multiple substantial projects
  • Supporting hearings, oral arguments, and trial preparation
  • Working closely with clients and internal teams on litigation risk and dispute resolution strategy
Qualifications
  • 8+ years of litigation experience
  • Significant experience drafting:
    • Briefs
    • Wide-ranging motions
    • Complex court filings
  • Strong background in state and federal court practice
  • Experience with constitutional rights, real estate, or business tort litigation
  • Hearing and trial experience preferred
  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
  • Proven ability to independently manage significant litigation matters
  • California Bar admission required
Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $175,000 – $230,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

This is a counsel-level, non-partnership-track role offering:

  • Hybrid work flexibility
  • A collegial and collaborative team environment
  • Sophisticated, high-stakes litigation matters
  • Long-term stability within a respected litigation practice