ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sec Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As You Sow

Senior Staff Attorney

El Cerrito, CA · On-site +1

... the SEC. A primary focus of the Senior Attorney will be developing and executing high-profile impact litigation based on innovative legal theories, including responding to evolving threats to ...

As You Sow

Senior Staff Attorney

El Cerrito, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... the SEC. A primary focus of the Senior Attorney will be developing and executing high-profile impact litigation based on innovative legal theories, including responding to evolving threats to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSec Attorney JobsSec Attorney Jobs in California

Sec Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do sec attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sec attorney 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 an SEC attorney?

SEC attorneys are legal professionals who work for or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the federal agency responsible for enforcing securities laws and regulating the securities industry. Their main duties include investigating securities fraud, drafting and enforcing regulations, litigating enforcement actions, and providing legal advice on compliance with federal securities laws. They play a crucial role in protecting investors, maintaining fair markets, and ensuring transparency within the financial sector. SEC attorneys may work directly for the SEC or in private practice representing clients before the SEC.

What is the difference between Sec Attorney vs Security Consultant?

AspectSec AttorneySecurity Consultant
CredentialsLaw degree, bar license, security law certificationsSecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM), industry experience
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPrivate firms, consulting agencies, corporate security teams
Industry UsageLegal and compliance sectorsCybersecurity and physical security sectors

Sec Attorneys focus on legal compliance, regulations, and advising clients on security laws, while Security Consultants assess risks and implement security measures. Both roles require security-related knowledge but serve different functions within the security industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an SEC attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an SEC Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong background in securities law and regulatory compliance. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), SEC filing systems (EDGAR), and relevant statutes like the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is essential. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help SEC Attorneys interpret complex regulations and advise stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate legal guidance, safeguard market integrity, and uphold regulatory standards in the financial industry.

What are some common challenges SEC attorneys face when working on compliance matters within organizations?

SEC Attorneys often navigate complex and ever-evolving securities regulations, making it challenging to ensure organizational compliance. They must regularly interpret new rules, guide internal teams on proper disclosure practices, and address potential conflicts of interest. Effective collaboration with compliance officers, executives, and external regulators is key, as is staying current with regulatory updates to mitigate risks and protect the organization from enforcement actions.

What cities in California are hiring for Sec Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sec Attorney job openings:

Sec Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sec Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Capital Markets (Securities) Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

San Diego, CA

$260K - $365K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Capital Markets Associate Attorney

Locations: Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco

Direct Counsel is seeking a Capital Markets Associate Attorney to join a leading national corporate law firm with an internationally recognized Capital Markets & Public Securities practice. This role is ideal for associates with strong experience in public securities offerings and public company representation, particularly within the technology, life sciences, and consumer/retail sectors.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have experience representing issuers and/or underwriters in a broad range of capital markets transactions, including:

  • IPOs, follow-on offerings, and other public equity or equity-linked offerings

  • Public company advisory work covering corporate governance, SEC reporting, and exchange compliance

  • Managing client relationships and handling day-to-day workflows for companies with sophisticated and fast-paced needs

Candidates should have prior experience in the capital markets group of an Am Law 100 or international law firm and demonstrate strong academic achievement from an accredited, nationally recognized law school.

Responsibilities

  • Represent issuers and underwriters in IPOs and public securities offerings

  • Advise public companies on corporate governance, SEC filings, and ongoing compliance obligations

  • Prepare and review registration statements, periodic reports, proxy statements, and other SEC disclosure documents

  • Support corporate governance matters, including board and committee work

  • Manage multiple client matters and coordinate workflows efficiently

  • Work closely with partners and clients on complex transactional and regulatory issues

Qualifications

  • JD from an accredited U.S. law school with strong academic performance

  • 3–7 years of capital markets and public securities experience

  • Experience with offerings in the technology, life sciences, or consumer/retail industries strongly preferred

  • Background representing issuers and/or underwriters in public equity or equity-linked transactions

  • Experience advising public companies on SEC reporting and compliance

  • Strong drafting skills and ability to manage sophisticated client relationships

  • Prior experience at a national or international law firm

Compensation & Benefits

  • Expected Salary Range: $260,000 – $420,000 (based on location, experience, and skillset)

  • Bonus-eligible

  • Comprehensive benefits, including:

    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

    • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

    • Pre-tax commuter benefits

    • Firm-paid life and disability coverage

    • Generous vacation and sick time

    • 10 paid holidays annually

    • Parental leave and fertility benefits

    • Backup childcare/adult care resources