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 303+ Associate Attorney jobs
Join the Fight: Fight for Consumers, Not Corporations
Wirtz Law | California’s Premier Consumer Protection Firm
Location: La Jolla/UTC (San Diego)
The Mission
Are you ready to take on the world’s largest multi-national automakers and win?
At Wirtz Law, we don’t just practice law—we hold the automakers and distributors accountable. We’ve recovered over $90 million for our clients. We are the law firm other attorneys call when a case gets too difficult to handle.
Wirtz Law is seeking a driven, high-caliber Litigation Attorney to join California’s premier consumer protection trial team. We don’t just process cases; we litigate them for maximum value. If you are looking for a place to "hang out" and collect a paycheck, this isn’t it. But if you want to be empowered to think like a lawyer, own your caseload, and sharpen your skills in the courtroom, we want to talk to you. If you have a passion for justice and a "winning" mindset, your seat at the table is waiting.
The Role: Real Lawyering from Day One
At Wirtz Law, you aren’t just an employee—you are a trial lawyer. You will be immersed in every phase of litigation, working within a collegial, high-energy team environment. Your responsibilities include:
· The Full Litigation Lifecycle: Manage written discovery, law and motion work, and court appearances.
· Taking the Lead: Conduct and defend depositions and negotiate directly with opposing counsel to secure the evidence needed for victory.
· Trial Advocacy: Engage in trial preparation and participate in trials based on your skill level and initiative.
· Client Connection: Work closely with the individuals we represent to achieve life-changing results.
Who You Are
We are looking for a motivated, intellectually curious advocate who thrives on accountability and possesses the "common sense" required for elite litigation.
- Experience: 0–3+ years of experience in California Civil Litigation.
- Knowledge: Competency with the CCP and discovery tools. While automotive knowledge isn't required, an eagerness to master the niche, evolving world of California Lemon Law is essential.
- The "Wirtz" Factor: You are self-directed, exercise excellent judgment, and possess top-tier research and oral communication skills. You don't just meet deadlines—you drive the case forward.
Why Wirtz Law?
We work hard, but we enjoy the ride. Our office is a "modern suite" culture—collegial, diverse, and vibrant.
- Top-Tier Pay: $105,000–$175,000 (commensurate with experience).
- Total Wellness: Paid Silver PPO medical premiums and an on-site gym.
- Future Proofing: Safe Harbor and Profit-Sharing 401k.
- Work-Life Balance: 120+ hours of PTO, plus 12 paid holidays, plus two unpaid days off
- The Perks: Paid allowances (cell phone, home internet, laptop) and paid parking.
- The View: Work in a beautiful, modern suite overlooking UTC, just steps away from world-class dining and shopping at the UTC Mall.
Ready to join a winning team?
If you are a reliable professional who thrives on individual initiative and team collaboration, we want to meet you.
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for Wirtz Law.
Pay: $105,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
Join the Fight: Fight for Consumers, Not Corporations
Wirtz Law | California’s Premier Consumer Protection Firm
Location: La Jolla/UTC (San Diego)
The Mission
Are you ready to take on the world’s largest multi-national automakers and win?
At Wirtz Law, we don’t just practice law—we hold the automakers and distributors accountable. We’ve recovered over $90 million for our clients. We are the law firm other attorneys call when a case gets too difficult to handle.
Wirtz Law is seeking a driven, high-caliber Litigation Attorney to join California’s premier consumer protection trial team. We don’t just process cases; we litigate them for maximum value. If you are looking for a place to "hang out" and collect a paycheck, this isn’t it. But if you want to be empowered to think like a lawyer, own your caseload, and sharpen your skills in the courtroom, we want to talk to you. If you have a passion for justice and a "winning" mindset, your seat at the table is waiting.
The Role: Real Lawyering from Day One
At Wirtz Law, you aren’t just an employee—you are a trial lawyer. You will be immersed in every phase of litigation, working within a collegial, high-energy team environment. Your responsibilities include:
· The Full Litigation Lifecycle: Manage written discovery, law and motion work, and court appearances.
· Taking the Lead: Conduct and defend depositions and negotiate directly with opposing counsel to secure the evidence needed for victory.
· Trial Advocacy: Engage in trial preparation and participate in trials based on your skill level and initiative.
· Client Connection: Work closely with the individuals we represent to achieve life-changing results.
Who You Are
We are looking for a motivated, intellectually curious advocate who thrives on accountability and possesses the "common sense" required for elite litigation.
- Experience: 0–3+ years of experience in California Civil Litigation.
- Knowledge: Competency with the CCP and discovery tools. While automotive knowledge isn't required, an eagerness to master the niche, evolving world of California Lemon Law is essential.
- The "Wirtz" Factor: You are self-directed, exercise excellent judgment, and possess top-tier research and oral communication skills. You don't just meet deadlines—you drive the case forward.
Why Wirtz Law?
We work hard, but we enjoy the ride. Our office is a "modern suite" culture—collegial, diverse, and vibrant.
- Top-Tier Pay: $105,000–$175,000 (commensurate with experience).
- Total Wellness: Paid Silver PPO medical premiums and an on-site gym.
- Future Proofing: Safe Harbor and Profit-Sharing 401k.
- Work-Life Balance: 120+ hours of PTO, plus 12 paid holidays, plus two unpaid days off
- The Perks: Paid allowances (cell phone, home internet, laptop) and paid parking.
- The View: Work in a beautiful, modern suite overlooking UTC, just steps away from world-class dining and shopping at the UTC Mall.
Ready to join a winning team?
If you are a reliable professional who thrives on individual initiative and team collaboration, we want to meet you.
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for Wirtz Law.
Pay: $105,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
See All 303+ 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
- WOOD SMITH HENNING and BERMAN11
- Abramson Labor10
- Tyson & Mendes9
- Kahana & Feld LLP8
- O’Hagan Meyer6
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services19
- Staffing & Recruiting3
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Technology & Software2
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 WOOD SMITH HENNING and BERMAN, Abramson Labor, and Tyson & Mendes, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco 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 74% of associate attorney openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 303+ Associate Attorney Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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