Assistant Counsel Jobs in Virginia
Assistant Counsel jobs in Virginia are consistently in demand, with openings concentrated in government and regulatory agencies, defense contractors, financial services, and healthcare systems across every level from newly licensed attorneys to senior counsel. The heaviest hiring clusters around Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, where major employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, and Dominion Energy maintain substantial legal teams. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia include government contracts, regulatory compliance, and corporate transactional work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Regular or Temporary:
RegularLanguage Fluency: English (Required)
Work Shift:
1st shift (United States of America)Please review the following job description:
Support senior professionals within the Legal Department, business leaders, Human Resources partners, and risk stakeholders on a broad range of employment law issues arising throughout the employee lifecycle, while also handling employment law claims filed with administrative agencies and managing employment litigation.The attorney will provide practical, solution-oriented legal counsel on matters involving recruiting, hiring, compensation, performance management, employee relations, leave and accommodation issues, wage and hour compliance, enforcement of restrictive covenants and repayment obligations, and workplace investigations. The role also includes managing a portfolio of employment litigation and administrative claims, partnering with outside counsel to develop case strategy, oversee discovery and budgets, and achieve efficient resolutions.
In addition, the attorney will monitor legal and regulatory developments, conduct legal research, develop guidance for business partners, and collaborate closely with Human Resources to promote compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
This position does not have direct reports but will work closely with and provide day-to-day guidance and informal oversight to a paralegal supporting the Employment Law team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.
1. Provide support to attorneys within the Legal Department, as well as lines of business with limited supervision.
2. Responsible for assessing legal risk, providing legal advice relating to routine matters, and/or assisting in resolving legal problems which may represent potential exposure to the company.
3. Keeps abreast of and analyzes legislation, regulations, and case law developments that affect the company and the banking industry in area of practice.
4. May prepare and/or review routine documents and other instruments, represent the company in transactions, litigation, bankruptcy matters, or alternative dispute resolutions (as applicable), performing legal research and analysis, maintaining files and records
5. Develop an initial area of specialization to support line(s) of business
6. Serve as an individual contributor but may provide ad hoc work direction and leadership to other legal staff regarding support on active cases or projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
1. Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and licensed to practice law in good standing
2. 5 years of post-bar experience in a law firm, government, and/or corporate settings
3. Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
4. Ability to prioritize matters, utilize time management skills, and move between matters fluidly
5. Ability to handle a heavy workload, manage stress effectively and meet critical deadlines
6. Team-oriented mentality and excellent interpersonal skills
7. Demonstrated proficiency in basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office software products
Preferred Qualifications:
1. 3+ years of experience practicing employment law, preferably representing employers at a law firm, in-house legal department, or government agency.
2. Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including laws relating to discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, disability and accommodation, leaves of absence, and employee separations.
3. Experience advising employers on employment-law matters and handling employment litigation, administrative charges, investigations, or other employment-related disputes.
4. Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to identify legal risks and communicate practical recommendations clearly and concisely.
5. Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate legal requirements into practical, business-oriented advice.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop effective working relationships and collaborate with attorneys, Human Resources professionals, and business partners.
7. Ability to manage multiple matters and priorities in a fast-paced environment, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
8. Demonstrated initiative, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to develop expertise across a broad range of employment-law issues.
9. Experience in the financial services industry or another large, highly regulated organization is a plus.
10. In-house employment-law experience is a plus.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The annual base salary for this position is $165,000 - $175,000.
#LI-AW2
General Description of Available Benefits for Eligible Employees of Truist Financial Corporation: All regular teammates (not temporary or contingent workers) working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits, though eligibility for specific benefits may be determined by the division of Truist offering the position. Truist offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, tax-preferred savings accounts, and a 401k plan to teammates. Teammates also receive no less than 10 days of vacation (prorated based on date of hire and by full-time or part-time status) during their first year of employment, along with 10 sick days (also prorated), and paid holidays. For more details on Truist’s generous benefit plans, please visit our Benefits site. Depending on the position and division, this job may also be eligible for Truist’s defined benefit pension plan, restricted stock units, and/or a deferred compensation plan. As you advance through the hiring process, you will also learn more about the specific benefits available for any non-temporary position for which you apply, based on full-time or part-time status, position, and division of work.
Truist is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, citizenship or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law. Truist is a Drug Free Workplace.
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See All 21 Assistant Counsel Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Assistant Counsel JobsAssistant Counsel Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Counsel Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant counsel jobs across Virginia.
- Active Virginia State Bar membership or license in good standing required
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Experience with government contracts, regulatory compliance, or corporate law preferred
- Strong legal research and writing skills demonstrated through prior work or clerkship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance for defense-sector roles
- Familiarity with Virginia state statutes and federal regulatory frameworks
Assistant Counsel Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant counsel in Virginia?
Becoming an assistant counsel in Virginia requires graduating from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor, then passing the Virginia State Bar Examination administered by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. After passing, you must complete the character and fitness review and be formally admitted to the Virginia State Bar before practicing. Attorneys licensed in other states may seek admission by reciprocity or endorsement through the same board if Virginia has a qualifying agreement with their home state.
How much do assistant counsels make in Virginia?
Assistant counsels in Virginia earn a median of about $167,210 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $79,330 for the lowest 10% to over $320,220 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire assistant counsels in Virginia?
Employers hiring assistant counsels in Virginia right now include Capital One, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 headquarters in the Northern Virginia corridor makes it one of the more active states for in-house and government legal hiring year-round.
Which Virginia cities have the most assistant counsel jobs?
McLean, Chesapeake, and Reston account for the largest share of assistant counsel openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors drives volume there, Richmond's role as the state capital and home to major financial and utility headquarters sustains steady demand, and Virginia Beach supports openings tied to naval installations, healthcare systems, and regional corporate offices.
Are there remote assistant counsel jobs in Virginia?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical fields because many assistant counsel roles involve in-person client meetings, court appearances, or classified work that requires secure facilities. About 50% of assistant counsel openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote arrangements most common in transactional, compliance review, and contract drafting positions that do not require a physical security clearance environment.
How can I get hired as a assistant counsel in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a judicial clerkship with a Virginia state or federal court, which directly signals legal competence to Virginia employers and often leads to associate or assistant counsel roles. Large Virginia employers such as Dominion Energy, Capital One, and major Northern Virginia defense contractors run structured legal associate programs and internships that recruit new law school graduates. Lateral moves from paralegal, compliance analyst, or contract administrator roles are another proven route, particularly when paired with recent Virginia State Bar admission.
Where can I find and apply to assistant counsel jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to assistant counsel jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your practice area, seniority, and preferred location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 21 Assistant Counsel Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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