ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Privacy Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrivacy Attorney JobsPrivacy Attorney Jobs in California

Privacy Attorney information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$154.5K

$240.3K

How much do privacy attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for privacy attorney in California is $154,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,800.00 and $193,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Privacy Attorneys face when advising organizations on data protection compliance?

Privacy Attorneys often encounter challenges in keeping up with evolving data privacy regulations across different jurisdictions, especially when advising organizations that operate internationally. They must interpret complex legal requirements and translate them into practical policies and procedures that fit the organization's specific operations. Additionally, balancing legal compliance with business objectives and technological innovation can be demanding, requiring strong collaboration with IT, compliance, and executive teams. Staying proactive about potential data breaches and training staff on privacy obligations are also ongoing responsibilities.

What is the difference between Privacy Attorney vs Data Privacy Specialist?

AspectPrivacy AttorneyData Privacy Specialist
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionBachelor's or Master's in Law, Data Privacy Certifications (e.g., CIPP)
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesCorporate, consulting firms, tech companies, compliance departments
Employer & IndustryLegal industry, corporate sectors with legal teamsTechnology, healthcare, finance, and other data-driven industries
Search & Comparison IntentLegal advice, compliance, legal representationData protection, privacy policies, compliance programs

While both Privacy Attorneys and Data Privacy Specialists focus on data protection, Privacy Attorneys primarily provide legal advice, handle compliance issues, and represent clients in legal matters. Data Privacy Specialists implement privacy policies, manage data security measures, and ensure organizational compliance. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in legal responsibilities versus operational data management.

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

To thrive as a Privacy Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and in-depth knowledge of privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. Familiarity with legal research platforms, data protection management tools, and relevant privacy certifications like CIPP/US or CIPP/E is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel when advising clients and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and safeguarding sensitive information in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

What does a Privacy Attorney do?

A Privacy Attorney specializes in laws and regulations related to data privacy and protection. They advise organizations on compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, draft and review privacy policies, and help manage data breaches or regulatory investigations. Privacy Attorneys also represent clients in legal proceedings involving data security and ensure that companies implement practices to safeguard personal information. Their role is crucial as privacy regulations continue to evolve and impact businesses globally.

What Does a Privacy Attorney Do?

A privacy attorney is responsible for advising clients on their legal responsibilities regarding compliance with national and international privacy laws and data security. As a privacy attorney, you may work as counsel to a specific business or work for a firm that is contracted to provide these services for numerous clients. Your duties include drafting policies and contracts that conform to regulatory law, writing and reviewing company statements and privacy policies for customers, and handling the legal ramifications of privacy breaches or failures to comply with legal obligations.

More about Privacy Attorney jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Privacy Attorney jobs in California? The most popular types of Privacy Attorney jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Privacy Attorney jobs in California? For Privacy Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Privacy Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Privacy Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Privacy Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Privacy Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Privacy Attorney jobs in CA? For Privacy Attorney jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Privacy Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Privacy Attorney job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,542 per year, or $74.3 per hour.

Privacy Associate Attorney - San Francisco

Direct Counsel

San Francisco, CA

$260K - $420K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Privacy Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is representing an AmLaw 100 firm seeking a Privacy Associate Attorney to join its growing Privacy and Product Counseling practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney to work with sophisticated clients on complex privacy, data protection, and emerging technology matters within a collaborative and nationally recognized firm environment.

The firm is seeking an associate with 4–8 years of experience handling privacy and product counseling matters. Candidates must have experience advising companies on U.S. federal and state privacy laws and providing practical guidance on evolving data privacy and compliance issues.

Strong candidates will have experience with some or all of the following:

  • Developing and implementing internal data protection programs
  • Conducting privacy assessments and creating data maps
  • Performing data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
  • Drafting and reviewing privacy policies and related documentation
  • Negotiating data processing agreements and other privacy-related contracts
  • Advising clients on emerging and high-risk privacy issues, including artificial intelligence (AI), adtech, health data, biometric information, and children’s/teen data

Candidates should have strong academic credentials, excellent writing and analytical skills, and the ability to work directly with clients on complex privacy matters. Prior experience at a peer law firm is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Compensation: $260,000 – $420,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
  • Annual discretionary bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) plan
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid personal medical and parental leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Family care benefits and additional wellness programs

This is an excellent opportunity for a privacy attorney seeking to join a leading AmLaw 100 platform and advise clients on cutting-edge privacy, technology, and data protection matters.