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Sec Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

VCL LAW LLP

Securities Associate

Vienna, VA · On-site

We advise both domestic and overseas companies in their IPOs and continue to represent them in their ongoing securities laws compliance, SEC reporting and disclosure obligations. Requirements: · JD ...

VCL LAW LLP

Securities Associate

Vienna, VA · On-site

We advise both domestic and overseas companies in their IPOs and continue to represent them in their ongoing securities laws compliance, SEC reporting and disclosure obligations. Requirements: · JD ...

Mission Lane

Associate General Counsel, Corporate

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$178K - $225K/yr

... SEC rules and disclosure requirements * Exceptional analytical, writing and communication skills, including the ability to translate legal issues for non-lawyers * Strong organizational and project ...

Clarivate

Senior Paralegal

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

... of SEC and NYSE filings Managing special projects such as new legal entity formation ... attorneys Supporting compliance matters, including interpreting regulatory requirements Managing ...

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Sec Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$45.6K

$107.2K

$171K

How much do sec attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sec attorney in Virginia is $107,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $128,900.00 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 Virginia are hiring for Sec Attorney jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Sec Attorney job openings:

Sec Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sec Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,232 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Reston, VA • On-site

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney
Locations

Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Downtown Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Palo Alto, California; Reston, Virginia; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; Santa Monica, California; Washington, DC

Direct Counsel is seeking a Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney to join the nationally recognized executive compensation and employee benefits practice of a premier law firm.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a 3rd–6th year associate with sophisticated experience in executive compensation, equity arrangements, public company disclosure, and transactional benefits support to work on high-profile matters involving M&A, IPOs, and complex compensation structures.

The role offers substantial exposure to deal-driven compensation work, public company counseling, and executive arrangements for leading corporate clients.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 3–6 years of executive compensation and employee benefits experience, including strong familiarity with:

  • Equity and executive compensation
  • Proxy disclosures
  • Employment agreements
  • Severance agreements
  • IRC Sections 280G and 409A
  • Compensation issues in mergers & acquisitions
  • IPO-related compensation matters
  • Public company governance and disclosure support

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate who enjoys both standalone executive compensation counseling and deal-side compensation support.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on:
    • Executive compensation arrangements
    • Equity incentive plans
    • Employment and severance agreements
    • Change-in-control protections
    • Deferred compensation structures
  • Support compensation and benefits issues in:
    • M&A transactions
    • IPOs
    • Capital markets transactions
    • Corporate restructurings
  • Draft and review:
    • Equity award agreements
    • Proxy disclosures
    • Employment contracts
    • Retention and severance agreements
    • Transaction bonus and rollover structures
  • Counsel on compliance with:
    • IRC 280G
    • IRC 409A
    • SEC disclosure requirements
  • Work closely with M&A, capital markets, tax, and employment teams on integrated matters
  • Advise boards, compensation committees, and senior executives on compensation governance issues
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • 3–6 years of compensation & benefits experience
  • Strong background in:
    • Executive compensation
    • Equity compensation
    • Proxy disclosures
    • M&A and IPO compensation support
    • 280G and 409A analysis
  • Excellent academic credentials
  • Superior writing, oral communication, and analytical skills
  • Strong client counseling and drafting abilities
  • Admission in the applicable jurisdiction preferred
Compensation

Base salary range: $260,000 – $390,000

Compensation will vary based on office, class year, experience, and overall fit.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will be:

  • Strong in executive compensation and public company work
  • Comfortable with transaction-side benefits support
  • Experienced with 280G and 409A technical issues
  • Interested in high-level board and compensation committee matters
  • Commercially minded and detail-oriented
  • Looking for national platform sophistication
Why This Opportunity

This is a highly attractive opportunity for a midlevel executive compensation associate seeking sophisticated deal flow, public company counseling, and strong national flexibility across major legal markets. The multi-office platform plus M&A/IPO crossover makes this especially compelling for associates looking to deepen both technical and transactional compensation expertise.