Associate Attorney Jobs in California
Associate Attorney jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with consistent demand from large law firms, in-house corporate legal departments, and public sector offices working in employment law, litigation, intellectual property, and technology transactions. The heaviest hiring is concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms like Latham and Watkins, Gibson Dunn, and Skadden maintain major offices and regularly bring on associates at every level from first-year to senior. California's sprawling tech sector, entertainment industry, and venture capital ecosystem keep demand for IP, M&A, and securities specialists particularly strong. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 41+ Associate Attorney jobs
INTRODUCTION
We don't just practice employment law. We change it. California's premier plaintiff-side firm is looking for driven attorneys who want real courtroom time, real mentorship, and a real shot at becoming among the best litigators in the state.
- #1 Ranked Plaintiff Employment Firm in California
- Record-Setting Verdicts and Settlements
- Day One Meaningful Trial Work
- One-on-One Partner Mentorship
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is the role most associates wait a decade for. At most firms, you spend years in the back office before you ever see the inside of a courtroom. At Shegerian & Associates, that calculus is reversed. From day one, you own your cases, arguing motions, taking depositions, and preparing for trial alongside some of the most respected employment litigators in California. We represent workers who have been wrongfully terminated, harassed, and discriminated against. The stakes are personal. The advocacy is aggressive. And the results are record-setting.
"Carney Shegerian doesn't just give you work. He teaches you how to think, how to fight, and how to win. You'll be part of verdicts and landmark rulings you'll be proud of for the rest of your career."
Full ownership. From filing to verdict.
- Take full autonomy over cases from inception through trial
- Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial briefs
- Take and defend depositions
- Appear in court for hearings and motion practice
- Communicate directly with clients and contribute meaningfully to case strategy
- Participate in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations
- Prepare for trial and gain second chair experience
- Contribute to emerging California employment case law
MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
The training you won't find anywhere else. Carney Shegerian is one of the most decorated trial lawyers in the state and he is invested in passing that expertise to the next generation. Associates at Shegerian & Associates receive structured, intentional development built around real-world excellence.
One-on-One Mentorship
Direct, ongoing guidance from Carney and senior partners. Not delegated to a mid-level associate. You learn from the best, directly.
Regular Workshops
Practical training sessions covering deposition technique, trial strategy, courtroom presence, and jury persuasion.
Be Part of History
Work on cases that set California precedent. Your wins will be cited by courts for years to come.
A Clear Path to Excellence
We promote from within and build careers intentionally. The trajectory from associate to elite trial lawyer is defined, not vague.
WHY SHEGERIAN & ASSOCIATES
High expectations. Genuine support. You won't find a more passionate, driven team. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the people around you will push you to be better. We are mission driven, team first, and unapologetically plaintiff side. We believe in protecting employees' rights not just as a practice area, but as a calling.
"At Shegerian & Associates, you're surrounded by people who are genuinely invested in your success, colleagues who challenge you, staff who have your back, and leadership that makes time for you."
If you want a career that matters, this is where you build it.
WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT STAFF
Focus on the law. We will handle the rest. One of the biggest stressors for litigators is administrative friction. Missed deadlines, service delays, calendar chaos. At Shegerian & Associates, you are backed by an exceptional support team that eliminates that friction entirely so you can stay focused on what you do best: winning for your clients.
Requirements
Who We're Looking For
An active California Bar member with 1-7 years of litigation experience — employment law background preferred, but what matters most is that you're hungry to try cases and grow. You're the right fit if you:
- Write and argue with precision and confidence
- Can own a caseload
- Are genuinely drawn to the courtroom, not just the conference room
- Have trial or substantial trial-prep experience (a strong plus, not a dealbreaker)
Benefits
What We Offer:
- Base salary of $150,000-$170,000 commensurate with experience, plus settlement commissions up to 6.5% per case. Many Shegerian associates out-earn peers at BigLaw and comparable plaintiff firms
- Ownership & Advancement Merit-based path to advancement with real shareholder opportunities — no arbitrary timelines, no politics
- The Professional Stuff, Covered Bar dues, MCLEs, and referral bonuses are all on the firm. Stay sharp, stay connected, and get rewarded for bringing in colleagues
- Culture You Can Feel Firm-sponsored social and networking events that build real relationships — not just an item on a benefits sheet
- Workplace: Hybrid
Industry-Leading Benefits:
- Firm pays 100% of premiums for dental and vision
- Firm pays 100% of all Silver-level medical plans
- Firm contributes approximately 10% toward retirement (3% Safe Harbor + 7% Profit Sharing)
- $500 annual FSA contribution
- Time for Life: Accrual of 80 hours of PTO (additional 40 hours on 3rd anniversary), sick pay, plus your birthday off as a fully paid day.
INTRODUCTION
We don't just practice employment law. We change it. California's premier plaintiff-side firm is looking for driven attorneys who want real courtroom time, real mentorship, and a real shot at becoming among the best litigators in the state.
- #1 Ranked Plaintiff Employment Firm in California
- Record-Setting Verdicts and Settlements
- Day One Meaningful Trial Work
- One-on-One Partner Mentorship
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is the role most associates wait a decade for. At most firms, you spend years in the back office before you ever see the inside of a courtroom. At Shegerian & Associates, that calculus is reversed. From day one, you own your cases, arguing motions, taking depositions, and preparing for trial alongside some of the most respected employment litigators in California. We represent workers who have been wrongfully terminated, harassed, and discriminated against. The stakes are personal. The advocacy is aggressive. And the results are record-setting.
"Carney Shegerian doesn't just give you work. He teaches you how to think, how to fight, and how to win. You'll be part of verdicts and landmark rulings you'll be proud of for the rest of your career."
Full ownership. From filing to verdict.
- Take full autonomy over cases from inception through trial
- Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial briefs
- Take and defend depositions
- Appear in court for hearings and motion practice
- Communicate directly with clients and contribute meaningfully to case strategy
- Participate in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations
- Prepare for trial and gain second chair experience
- Contribute to emerging California employment case law
MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
The training you won't find anywhere else. Carney Shegerian is one of the most decorated trial lawyers in the state and he is invested in passing that expertise to the next generation. Associates at Shegerian & Associates receive structured, intentional development built around real-world excellence.
One-on-One Mentorship
Direct, ongoing guidance from Carney and senior partners. Not delegated to a mid-level associate. You learn from the best, directly.
Regular Workshops
Practical training sessions covering deposition technique, trial strategy, courtroom presence, and jury persuasion.
Be Part of History
Work on cases that set California precedent. Your wins will be cited by courts for years to come.
A Clear Path to Excellence
We promote from within and build careers intentionally. The trajectory from associate to elite trial lawyer is defined, not vague.
WHY SHEGERIAN & ASSOCIATES
High expectations. Genuine support. You won't find a more passionate, driven team. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the people around you will push you to be better. We are mission driven, team first, and unapologetically plaintiff side. We believe in protecting employees' rights not just as a practice area, but as a calling.
"At Shegerian & Associates, you're surrounded by people who are genuinely invested in your success, colleagues who challenge you, staff who have your back, and leadership that makes time for you."
If you want a career that matters, this is where you build it.
WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT STAFF
Focus on the law. We will handle the rest. One of the biggest stressors for litigators is administrative friction. Missed deadlines, service delays, calendar chaos. At Shegerian & Associates, you are backed by an exceptional support team that eliminates that friction entirely so you can stay focused on what you do best: winning for your clients.
Requirements
Who We're Looking For
An active California Bar member with 1-7 years of litigation experience — employment law background preferred, but what matters most is that you're hungry to try cases and grow. You're the right fit if you:
- Write and argue with precision and confidence
- Can own a caseload
- Are genuinely drawn to the courtroom, not just the conference room
- Have trial or substantial trial-prep experience (a strong plus, not a dealbreaker)
Benefits
What We Offer:
- Base salary of $150,000-$170,000 commensurate with experience, plus settlement commissions up to 6.5% per case. Many Shegerian associates out-earn peers at BigLaw and comparable plaintiff firms
- Ownership & Advancement Merit-based path to advancement with real shareholder opportunities — no arbitrary timelines, no politics
- The Professional Stuff, Covered Bar dues, MCLEs, and referral bonuses are all on the firm. Stay sharp, stay connected, and get rewarded for bringing in colleagues
- Culture You Can Feel Firm-sponsored social and networking events that build real relationships — not just an item on a benefits sheet
- Workplace: Hybrid
Industry-Leading Benefits:
- Firm pays 100% of premiums for dental and vision
- Firm pays 100% of all Silver-level medical plans
- Firm contributes approximately 10% toward retirement (3% Safe Harbor + 7% Profit Sharing)
- $500 annual FSA contribution
- Time for Life: Accrual of 80 hours of PTO (additional 40 hours on 3rd anniversary), sick pay, plus your birthday off as a fully paid day.
See All 41 Associate Attorney Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Attorney JobsAssociate Attorney Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Attorney Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- O’Hagan Meyer6
- Morrison Foerster4
- Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.3
- Shegerian & Associates3
- Ascendion2
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services27
- Technology & Software5
- Consulting & Professional Services4
- Investment & Asset Management3
- Insurance2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate attorney jobs across California.
- Active membership in the State Bar of California required
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required
- One to three years of litigation, transactional, or regulatory law firm experience preferred
- Strong legal research and writing skills demonstrated through law review, moot court, or prior practice
- Familiarity with California civil procedure and state court filing requirements
- Experience with Westlaw, LexisNexis, or comparable legal research platforms expected
Associate Attorney Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an associate attorney in California?
To practice as an associate attorney in California you must pass the California Bar Examination and be admitted to the State Bar of California, which is administered by the Committee of Bar Examiners. The path begins with a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, followed by sitting for the bar exam. First-time applicants must also complete the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination and pass a character and fitness review before admission is granted.
How much do associate attorneys make in California?
Associate attorneys in California earn a median of about $195,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,950 for the lowest 10% to over $369,180 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire associate attorneys in California?
Employers hiring associate attorneys in California right now include O’Hagan Meyer, Morrison Foerster, and Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of large law firm offices, Fortune 500 headquarters, and technology companies means in-house legal departments and regional firm branches are among the most active sources of associate-level openings in the state.
Which California cities have the most associate attorney jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles account for the largest share of associate attorney openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its entertainment, real estate, and litigation practices, San Francisco through its concentration of technology and venture capital clients, and San Diego through its biotech and defense contracting sectors, each pulling a distinct set of practice-area specializations into the market.
Are there remote associate attorney jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical fields because associate attorney work frequently involves court appearances, client meetings, and in-person depositions. About 49% of associate attorney openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in transactional, contract review, and document-intensive practices where physical presence is not required day to day.
How can I get hired as an associate attorney in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a summer associate program at a California law firm, which many large and mid-size firms in Los Angeles and San Francisco use as their primary pipeline for first-year hires. Public sector employers including the California Department of Justice and county public defender and district attorney offices run entry-level staff attorney programs that welcome recent admittees. Judicial clerkships at California state superior courts or the Ninth Circuit also convert reliably into associate offers, and a strong law review publication or moot court record gives applicants an edge in competitive first-year review cycles.
Where can I find and apply to associate attorney jobs in California?
You can find and apply to associate attorney jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your practice area and experience level and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 41 Associate Attorney Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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