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Pro Bono Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a junior to mid-level associate to join our health care transactional team , which ... pro bono projects. As proof of our commitment, we provide attorneys with billable hour credit for ...

Mid-Level Real Estate Associate

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$220K - $295K/yr

The associate will work closely with clients who are national leaders in the agriculture, renewable ... The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable ...

Mid-Level Real Estate Associate

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$220K - $295K/yr

The associate will work closely with clients who are national leaders in the agriculture, renewable ... The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable ...

Business Litigation Associate

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$210K - $225K/yr

Associates are also eligible for: Quarterly and annual objective bonuses, with maximum objective ... Attorneysare encouraged to engage in pro bono work, community partnerships, and professional ...

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Pro Bono Associate information

What is a pro bono associate?

Pro Bono Associates are legal professionals, usually early-career attorneys, who work at law firms or legal organizations to provide free legal services to individuals, nonprofits, or communities in need. Their work focuses on cases that serve the public interest or improve access to justice, often in areas such as civil rights, immigration, or housing. Pro Bono Associates gain valuable experience while helping clients who may not otherwise afford legal representation, and their work often complements the firm's broader commitment to community service and social responsibility.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a pro bono associate?

To thrive as a Pro Bono Associate, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research and writing skills. Familiarity with case management software, e-filing systems, and specialized legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice help you build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with nonprofit partners. These competencies are essential for delivering effective legal services to underserved communities and managing complex pro bono caseloads successfully.

How does a pro bono associate typically balance their pro bono caseload with other firm responsibilities?

As a Pro Bono Associate, you'll be responsible for managing a portfolio of pro bono matters while also supporting the firm's broader legal work. Balancing these demands often involves strong time management and clear communication with both the pro bono team and supervising attorneys in other practice areas. Many firms provide dedicated time or resources for pro bono work, but it's common to coordinate closely with colleagues to ensure client needs and firm commitments are met. You'll also collaborate with external nonprofit partners, which can enrich your professional network and legal experience.

What is the difference between Pro Bono Associate vs Staff Attorney?

AspectPro Bono AssociateStaff Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission required
Work EnvironmentLegal aid organizations, nonprofits, or pro bono programsLaw firms, government agencies, or legal departments
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, legal aid societies, public interest groupsPrivate law firms, government, corporate legal teams

Pro Bono Associates typically work in nonprofit or legal aid settings, focusing on providing free legal services, often with less emphasis on billable hours. Staff Attorneys usually work in law firms or government agencies, handling paid legal cases with more responsibility and billable hour requirements. Both roles require a JD and bar admission, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pro Bono jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pro Bono jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pro Bono Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pro Bono Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Pro Bono Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Transactional Associate - California

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$205K - $375K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a junior to mid-level associate to join our health care transactional team, which represents some of the most sophisticated clients in the health care industry. Many team members work primarily remotely, and there is no requirement for regular in-office attendance. Candidates, however, should be licensed in California and located in or near Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. Our busy and growing practice serves the business and regulatory needs of health care providers and suppliers, including large health systems, private and publicly traded post-acute care providers, physicians and medical groups, and emerging companies such as those providing digital health services across the continuum of care. In addition to offering meaningful and substantive work focused on advancing health care delivery, advocating for health policy reform, and improving patient outcomes, we offer our associates unparalleled support in developing substantive expertise in health law. We have a proven track record of recruiting, developing, and advancing lateral associate hires to the firmโ€™s highest levels.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate an ability to (i) communicate effectively with clients and provide clear, concise written legal analysis; (ii) develop a strong understanding of our clientsโ€™ business operations, objectives and strategic goals; (iii) provide creative, practical and actionable legal advice and (iv) work collaboratively with other team members, including colleagues who specialize in fraud and abuse investigations, licensing and certification and reimbursement litigation. Prior experience as a health care transactional attorney is not required, but candidates should have level-appropriate experience with complex regulatory regimes or significant transactions.

We pride ourselves on a congenial culture that encourages authentic self-expression, fosters meaningful mentor relationships and champions consequential pro bono projects. As proof of our commitment, we provide attorneys with billable hour credit for work that advances our diversity, equity and inclusion and pro bono efforts.

The salary range for this position is $205,000 to $375,000 annually, and actual salary is commensurate with a candidateโ€™s qualifications and experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for discretionary bonuses.

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