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Sec Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fund Formation Associate Attorney

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$310K - $390K/yr

Fund Formation Associate Attorney Direct Counsel is seeking a Fund Formation Associate Attorney to ... Experience advising on SEC and state regulatory requirements applicable to private fund advisers.

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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:

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.

Fund Formation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$310K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Fund Formation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Fund Formation Associate Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Menlo Park (Silicon Valley), New York City, San Francisco, or Santa Monica.

This is an outstanding partnership-track opportunity for an attorney with 4-6 years of fund formation experience to join a nationally recognized Fund Formation practice. The role offers significant client responsibility, direct mentorship from experienced partners, and exposure to sophisticated sponsor-side and investor-side representations across the private investment funds industry.

Responsibilities
  • Represent private fund sponsors and institutional investors in the formation and operation of private investment funds.

  • Draft and negotiate limited partnership agreements, private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, side letters, and advisory committee governance documents.

  • Advise clients on regulatory and compliance matters affecting private investment funds.

  • Counsel clients on venture capital, growth equity, impact, crossover, and other private fund structures.

  • Assist with co-investment vehicles, secondary transactions, and related investment structures.

  • Work closely with fund sponsors, institutional investors, and emerging managers throughout the fund lifecycle.

  • Collaborate with attorneys across corporate and investment management practices on sophisticated transactions.

  • Build and maintain strong client relationships while providing practical, business-focused legal advice.

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Active membership in good standing with the applicable state bar or eligibility for prompt admission.

  • 4-6 years of private fund formation and investment management experience at a major law firm.

  • Experience representing fund sponsors; experience representing institutional investors (limited partners) is strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with venture capital, growth equity, impact, and emerging manager fund structures.

  • Experience advising on SEC and state regulatory requirements applicable to private fund advisers.

  • Experience with co-investment vehicles and secondary fund transactions is preferred.

  • Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships.

  • Ability to independently manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong academic credentials and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary: $310,000-$390,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including:

    • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

    • Mental health and wellness programs

    • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

    • Short- and long-term disability coverage

    • Industry-leading parental leave

    • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

    • 401(k) retirement plan

    • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

    • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility