ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Law Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Boutique Recruiting

Family Law Associate

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Family Law Associate Salary Range: $120,000-$220,000 DOE A respected family law firm in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Family Law Associate to manage complex matters involving divorce, child ...

BBK Law

Municipal Law Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$127K - $185K/yr

Best Best & Krieger LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on delivering effective and ... The reasonably expected pay scale for this position seeking an associate with 3 or more years of ...

BBK Law

Municipal Law Associate

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120K - $185K/yr

... law matters, and other issues surrounding public agency clients. Candidates must be licensed in California. The reasonably expected pay scale for this position seeking an associate with 1 or more ...

BBK Law

Municipal Law Associate

Ontario, CA · On-site

$127K - $185K/yr

Best Best & Krieger LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on delivering effective and ... The reasonably expected pay scale for this position seeking an associate with 3 or more years of ...

Talent Search PRO

Family Law Associate

San Jose, CA

$175K - $245K/yr

Base Salary: $175K - $245K Our client is a distinguished multi-service law firm, headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a mid-level Family Law Associate to join our Family Law group. The ...

Talent Search PRO

Family Law Associate

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $245K/yr

Base Salary: $175K - $245K Our client is a distinguished multi-service law firm, headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a mid-level Family Law Associate to join our Family Law group. The ...

Talent Search PRO

Family Law Associate

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $245K/yr

Base Salary: $175K - $245K Our client is a distinguished multi-service law firm, headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a mid-level Family Law Associate to join our Family Law group. The ...

Talent Search PRO

Family Law Associate

Pleasanton, CA

$175K - $245K/yr

Base Salary: $175K - $245K Our client is a distinguished multi-service law firm, headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a mid-level Family Law Associate to join our Family Law group. The ...

W3Global Inc.

Employment Law Associate

Torrance, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Employment Law Associate Location: Torrance, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Our client is looking for an attorney to join their employment law team immediately. The ideal candidate will have 1-4 years ...

Cybercoders

Municipal Law Associate

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

Municipal Law Associate ---THIS POSITION IS FULLY REMOTE OR HYBRID IN THE GREATER SACRAMENTO REGION--- For over a century, our firm has built a reputation as a trusted partner and strategist ...

Cybercoders

Municipal Law Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Municipal Law Associate ---THIS POSITION IS FULLY REMOTE OR HYBRID IN THE GREATER LA REGION--- For over a century, our firm has built a reputation as a trusted partner and strategist, delivering ...

SLR Search

Lemon Law Attorney

Los Angeles, CA

$155K - $285K/yr

Lemon Law Associate Attorney Benefits: - Starting Salary Targeting $155K-$285K+ (Open to either an Associate or Senior Associate level) - Profit Sharing - Dental Insurance - Medical Insurance - PTO ...

Best Best & Krieger

Be Seen First

Municipal Law Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$127K - $185K/yr

Description Best Best & Krieger LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on delivering ... The reasonably expected pay scale for this position seeking an associate with 3 or more years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLaw Associate JobsLaw Associate Jobs in California

Law Associate information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do law associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for law associate in California is $106,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Law Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectLaw AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), passing the bar examAssociate degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts, corporate offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client consultations, court appearancesLegal research, document preparation, case organization, client communication

Law Associates are licensed attorneys with a JD and bar license, handling legal cases and representing clients. Paralegals support attorneys with research and document tasks but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Law Associates have more responsibilities and legal authority, whereas Paralegals focus on supporting roles.

What are some common challenges faced by law associates in their first year at a firm?

Law Associates often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a legal practice. Balancing billable hour requirements with high-quality work and learning to communicate effectively with both senior attorneys and clients can be demanding. Additionally, new associates must quickly become familiar with the firm's procedures and expectations while developing their legal research, writing, and case management skills. Support from colleagues and proactive time management can help ease these transitions.

What is a law associate?

Law Associates are entry- to mid-level lawyers who work at law firms or legal departments, typically under the supervision of more senior attorneys or partners. They assist with legal research, drafting documents, preparing for trials, and communicating with clients. Law Associates work to build their expertise in various areas of law while gaining experience necessary for potential advancement to partner or senior attorney positions. Their role is fundamental for the daily operations and success of legal teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a law associate?

To thrive as a Law Associate, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and bar admission in your practicing jurisdiction. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in office productivity software are typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for drafting precise legal documents, advising clients, and supporting successful case outcomes in a demanding legal environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Law jobs in California? The most popular types of Law jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Law Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Law Associate job openings:
Law Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Law Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Family Law Associate

Boutique Recruiting

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Family Law Associate
Salary Range: $120,000-$220,000 DOE
A respected family law firm in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Family Law Associate to manage complex matters involving divorce, child custody, and spousal support. This role offers meaningful courtroom exposure, direct client relationships, ownership of an active caseload, and hands-on experience handling discovery, motions, negotiations, and trials.
The ideal candidate is a confident, responsive, and self-motivated attorney who is committed to family law, writes exceptionally well, and can manage sensitive client relationships with professionalism and empathy.
Family Law Associate Responsibilities:
  • Manage an independent caseload of approximately 20 family law matters once fully ramped up
  • Handle cases involving divorce, child custody, spousal support, and other family law issues
  • Conduct discovery and manage all related deadlines, documentation, and case strategy
  • Draft motions, pleadings, correspondence, and other legal documents
  • Appear in court and confidently advocate for clients
  • Argue motions and participate as second chair during trials
  • Negotiate settlements and work toward practical, client-centered resolutions
  • Maintain direct and consistent communication with clients
  • Answer client questions clearly, confidently, and compassionately
  • Manage sensitive and emotionally complex client relationships
  • Take ownership of cases while collaborating with attorneys, paralegals, and firm leadership
  • Balance multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities
  • Meet an annual billable hour goal of 1,600 hours
  • Participate in professional organizations, community activities, boards, or committees

Family Law Associate Requirements:
  • Active California Bar license
  • At least two years of legal experience, with four to six years preferred
  • At least one year of recent family law experience
  • Demonstrated commitment to building a long-term career in family law
  • Strong legal research, analytical, and motion-writing skills
  • Willingness and genuine desire to make court appearances
  • Confidence managing clients and responding to complex or sensitive questions
  • Ability to independently manage cases from discovery through resolution
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Friendly, responsive, proactive, and accountable work style
  • Polished communication skills and a professional client presence
  • Interest in becoming involved in the legal community through boards, committees, or professional organizations
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Experience with Clio and Westlaw preferred
  • Candidates with family law clerkship experience who transitioned into another practice area will be considered if they demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to family law
  • South Bay residency preferred

Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of employee-only premiums covered after 60 days
  • 401(k) with a profit-sharing contribution of approximately 3%-6%, depending on firm performance, after one year
  • Discretionary annual bonus based on billable hours, client origination, community involvement, professional goodwill, licenses, and committee or board participation
  • Unlimited vacation with prior approval, provided caseload and billable expectations are met
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Paid parking
  • Continuing legal education support
  • Flexible daily start time
  • Hybrid work opportunity after training

Join a collaborative, positive, and established team where you will gain real ownership of your cases, build substantial courtroom experience, and develop into a trusted family law advocate. If you are ready to take control of your caseload and build a serious career in family law, apply today!
#LI-AM1 #LI-TS1
Boutique Recruiting logo

About Boutique Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a team with shared goals; mindfully placing candidates in the workforce to successfully fulfill their career ambitions while encouraging a sense of purpose and value. We have created a new kind of placement firm — one that values connection, personalization, commitment, impact, boldness and achievement. At Boutique Recruiting, our clients, candidates and employees are at the heart of our success.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Boutique Recruiting Jobs

Apply