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Remote Counsel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Special Counsel - Employment Law (Remote) Location: Virtual Office | Primarily Remote | $185,000 - $200,000 A nationally recognized labor and employment law firm is seeking a Special Counsel with 7+ ...

Special Counsel (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

Special Counsel - Employment Law (Remote) Location: Virtual Office | Primarily Remote | $185,000 - $200,000 A nationally recognized labor and employment law firm is seeking a Special Counsel with 7+ ...

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Remote Counsel information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$137.6K

$231.4K

How much do remote counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote counsel in California is $137,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $194,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote counsel?

A Remote Counsel is a legal professional who provides legal advice, drafts contracts, and ensures compliance with regulations while working remotely. They may work for law firms, corporations, or as independent consultants. Their responsibilities can include handling litigation, reviewing legal documents, and advising on risk management. Remote Counsels use digital tools to collaborate with clients and colleagues without being physically present in an office. This role offers flexibility while maintaining the same level of responsibility as an in-office legal counsel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote counsel?

To thrive as a Remote Counsel, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar licensure, strong legal research and writing skills, and expertise in your practice area. Familiarity with contract management software, secure file-sharing tools, and legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis is often required. Exceptional time management, self-motivation, and clear communication are important for remote work success. These qualities help ensure legal compliance, high-quality counsel, and effective collaboration with clients and legal teams in a virtual environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by remote counsel and how can they be managed?

Remote Counsel often face challenges such as managing client communications across different time zones, maintaining confidentiality while working remotely, and adapting to virtual collaboration with colleagues. To address these, it’s important to establish clear communication protocols, use secure document sharing and video conferencing platforms, and maintain a well-organized remote workspace. Building strong digital collaboration skills and proactively scheduling check-ins with both clients and team members can help overcome common obstacles. With these strategies, Remote Counsel can deliver effective legal services and remain engaged as vital members of their legal teams.

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

The most popular types of Counsel jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Remote Counsel jobs?

Cities in California with the most Remote Counsel job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Counsel job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,612 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Special Counsel (Remote)

NxT Level

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$185K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Special Counsel – Employment Law (Remote)
Location: Virtual Office | Primarily Remote | $185,000 – $200,000

A nationally recognized labor and employment law firm is seeking a Special Counsel with 7+ years of experience to join its Employment Practice Group. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned employment litigator who thrives in a flexible, remote-first environment while still engaging in complex, full-cycle litigation.

Position Overview:

This role centers around handling administrative charges, attorney demand letters, and employment litigation, particularly for clients with Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) coverage. The Special Counsel will manage individual matters and oversee junior attorneys as needed, participating in everything from developing case strategies and conducting depositions to representing clients at hearings, mediations, and trials.

This is a mostly remote role (with occasional local travel), supported by a strong infrastructure of paralegals, shared secretarial support, and a collaborative team of attorneys nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as lead or supporting counsel on single-plaintiff employment matters

  • Respond to EEOC and state agency charges and attorney demand letters

  • Handle depositions, motions practice, hearings, and mediations

  • Oversee and mentor junior attorneys as needed

  • Support class action and PAGA cases when appropriate

  • Collaborate closely with partners and senior counsel

  • Focus on efficient, high-quality legal services with minimal non-billable pressure

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school

  • 7+ years of experience in employment litigation and counseling

  • Active bar membership in good standing

  • Demonstrated ability to manage litigation independently

  • Experience working with EPLI clients preferred

  • Prior law firm experience strongly desired

  • California bar admission is a plus

Why This Role?

  • Remote-first flexibility with full-cycle litigation experience

  • No business development pressure

  • Access to major firm resources without the grind of origination quotas

  • Collaborative, inclusive culture focused on career longevity and legal excellence

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Base Salary Range: $185,000 – $200,000

  • Actual pay based on experience, jurisdiction, and billable hour targets

  • Comprehensive benefits package including:

    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

    • Paid parental leave and generous PTO

    • 401(k) with carve-out election and profit-sharing

    • Life and long-term disability insurance

    • Critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and pet insurance

    • Student loan refinancing support

    • Employee assistance program (EAP)

Ready to join a nationally regarded employment practice without sacrificing flexibility or career growth?
Submit your resume in confidence to explore this outstanding opportunity.