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Lateral Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Conflicts Attorney

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

This role is responsible for reviewing and analyzing conflicts check reports for new firm matters, lateral attorney hires, and legal support staff hires. The Conflicts Attorney will identify ...

Conflicts Attorney

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

This role is responsible for reviewing and analyzing conflicts check reports for new firm matters, lateral attorney hires, and legal support staff hires. The Conflicts Attorney will identify ...

Conflicts Attorney

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

This role is responsible for reviewing and analyzing conflicts check reports for new firm matters, lateral attorney hires, and legal support staff hires. The Conflicts Attorney will identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral attorney recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, offer management and onboarding. * Partner with Practice Group Leaders and firm leadership to identify ...

Conflicts Attorney

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$110K - $140K/yr

This role is responsible for reviewing and analyzing conflicts check reports for new firm matters, lateral attorney hires, and legal support staff hires. The Conflicts Attorney will identify ...

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Lateral Attorney information

See California salary details

$33.6K

$146K

$277.3K

How much do lateral attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral attorney in California is $145,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $202,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a lateral attorney?

To thrive as a Lateral Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction, and proven expertise in your legal practice area. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and relevant certifications (such as board certification in a specialty) are often required. Strong client relationship management, adaptability, and superior communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for quickly integrating into a new firm, delivering high-quality legal services, and building lasting client trust.

What is a lateral attorney?

Lateral attorneys are lawyers who move from one law firm, organization, or legal department to another, typically at the same level or with similar responsibilities as their previous position. This move is often made to seek better career opportunities, higher compensation, a different practice area, or a more desirable location. Lateral moves are common in the legal profession and can involve both associates and partners. Law firms often seek lateral hires to bring in new expertise, clients, or to fill gaps in their practice groups.

What is the difference between Lateral Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectLateral AttorneyAssociate Attorney
CredentialsJD degree, bar admission, relevant experienceJD degree, bar admission, typically less experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, often with client interactionLaw firms, legal departments, primarily research and drafting
Employer & Industry UsageMajor law firms, corporate legal teamsLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding career moves, experience levels, or job rolesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

In summary, a Lateral Attorney is an experienced lawyer transitioning into a new firm or role, often with specialized skills, while an Associate Attorney is typically an early-career lawyer working on foundational legal tasks. Both roles require a JD and bar admission but differ mainly in experience and career stage.

What are common challenges lateral attorneys face when transitioning to a new law firm?

Lateral attorneys often encounter challenges such as adapting to a new firm's culture, understanding different workflows, and establishing relationships with new colleagues and clients. Building trust and demonstrating value quickly are key, especially when integrating into established practice groups or client teams. Additionally, they may need to familiarize themselves with the firm's technology platforms, billing practices, and performance expectations, all while maintaining high-quality service for existing and new clients.
What are popular job titles related to Lateral Attorney jobs in California? For Lateral Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lateral Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Lateral Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Lateral Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,991 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Labor & Employment Attorney - Lateral

SHANLEY, A PROFESSIONAL CORP

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description
SHANLEY, APC is seeking a talented lateral Attorney for a full-time position in Downtown Los Angeles, CA. This position offers the opportunity to assume a pivotal role in all facets of litigation and engage in a diverse range of cases.
Responsibilities
โ€ข The Attorney will be responsible for representing labor union and related entity clients in labor and employment matters.
โ€ข The Attorney will conduct comprehensive legal research; draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, settlement agreements, and correspondence to opposing counsel; conduct discovery and take depositions; attend hearings; engage in negotiations; stay abreast of the latest legal developments; and provide legal advice to clients.
โ€ข Collaboration with colleagues and clients on case strategy and delivering excellent legal counsel are key responsibilities.
This position is on-site.
Qualifications
โ€ข Two - five years of prior litigation practice
โ€ข Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills
โ€ข Outstanding communication skills, including oral advocacy abilities
โ€ข Strong organization and planning skills to allow for tracking and management of multiple deadlines
โ€ข Strong work ethic and sense of duty and responsibility towards clients, goals, and work product
โ€ข Embrace a collaborative and collegial work approach
โ€ข Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Washington State Bar
Preferred, but not required:
โ€ข Prior experience in labor and employment law practice
โ€ข Demonstrated commitment to the labor movement or social and economic justice