Legal Counsel Jobs in California
Legal Counsel jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with demand concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and financial services and openings at every level from junior associate counsel through senior vice president. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the largest share of postings, where major employers like Apple, Google, and Kaiser Permanente maintain substantial in-house legal teams. The most sought-after specialties in California are privacy and data security law, intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 943+ Legal Counsel jobs
INTRODUCTION
Changing the world through digital experiences is what Adobe is all about. We give everyone, from emerging artists to global brands, everything they need to build and deliver exceptional content. We're passionate about empowering people to build beautiful and powerful images, videos, and apps, and transforming how companies interact with customers across every screen. We're on a mission to hire the very best. We are committed to crafting outstanding employee experiences where everyone is respected and has equal opportunity. We realize that new ideas can come from everywhere within the company, and we know the next big idea could be yours.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join NextGen Legal, the team behind Adobe's most ambitious GenAI work. We're hiring a product counsel for our AI Products team. This role focuses on Adobe Firefly apps, Firefly features in Creative Cloud, and Adobe's creative agents platform. You'll work closely with engineering and design teams, counseling on feature development, APIs and service integrations, partner models, UX/UI workflows, and the full range of AI legal issues. You'll operate independently across a fast-moving portfolio and partner closely with product management, engineering, product marketing, business strategy, and go-to-market teams and with colleagues across Adobe Legal. You'll be based in San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, or Seattle, WA, and will report to the Managing Counsel leading the AI Products team within NextGen Legal.
- Drive legal strategy and act as the primary legal advisor for Adobe Firefly apps, Firefly features in Creative Cloud, and Adobe's creative agentic platform.
- Advise on Adobe's consumer and creator-facing SaaS and artistic applications, partnering with product teams on feature reviews, third-party AI model integrations, AI disclosures, and UX/UI workflows.
- Develop and deliver targeted legal and compliance training for internal engineering and program management teams.
- Partner with go-to-market teams to provide strategic legal advice on business strategies, marketing campaigns, and external communications.
- Contribute to cross-organizational initiatives regarding foundation model development, AI research, and data governance.
REQUIRED
What you need to succeed
- J.D. from an accredited law school and necessary bar membership.
- 6+ years of relevant legal experience.
- Meaningful in-house or law firm experience counseling AI product teams.
- Deep expertise drafting scalable terms of service, API agreements, and developer terms for SDKs, negotiating inbound and outbound software licensing agreements, and counseling on open source software compliance.
- Substantive experience advising on feature development, drafting AI disclosures, and advising on UX/UI workflows for consumer and creator SaaS products and creative tools.
- Self-starter with demonstrated ability to operate autonomously on complex matters and act as a team lead resource for peers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills!
STRONGLY PREFERRED
- Substantive experience counseling on data privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA, and emerging AI regulations like the EU AI Act.
- Versatility to support enterprise sales motions by advising on standard commercial agreements as needed!
- Experience streamlining or automating legal processes to reduce friction and accelerate product delivery.
- Technical background or geek-level curiosity about software and AI/ML development.
OTHER
- Sense of humor and enjoys working on a team with people at all levels!
- Flexible, business-friendly collaborator who can think creatively and enjoys working through complex issues.
- Dedication to high quality and timely legal advice across a range of products and services.
- Flexibility to work with colleagues, clients, and others in time zones other than where the position is based.
- Practical judgment, creative problem-solving, and good business instincts.
- Desire to make an impact and build an exciting career with our team.
ABOUT ADOBE
Adobe empowers everyone to create through innovative platforms and tools that unleash creativity, productivity and personalized customer experiences. Adobe’s industry-leading offerings including Adobe Acrobat Studio, Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Creative Cloud, Adobe Experience Platform, Adobe Experience Manager, and GenStudio enable people and businesses to turn ideas into impact, powered by AI and driven by human ingenuity. Our 30,000+ employees worldwide are creating the future and raising the bar as we drive the next decade of growth. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. At Adobe, we believe that great ideas can come from anywhere in the organization. The next big idea could be yours.
LET’S ADOBE TOGETHER
At Adobe, we believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. Learn more about Adobe life, including our values and culture, focus on people, purpose and community, Adobe for All, comprehensive benefits programs, the stories we tell, the customers we serve, and how you can help us advance our mission of empowering everyone to create. Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more. Adobe aims to make our Careers website and recruiting process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email accommodations@adobe.com or call +1 408-536-3015.
AI USE GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWS:
Our interviews are designed to reflect your own skills and thinking. The use of AI or recording tools during live interviews is not permitted unless explicitly invited by the interviewer or approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation. If these tools are used inappropriately or in a way that misrepresents your work, your application may not move forward in the process. At Adobe, we empower employees to innovate with AI — and we look for candidates eager to do the same. As part of the hiring experience, we provide clear guidance on where AI is encouraged during the process and where it’s restricted during live interviews. See how we think about AI in the hiring experience.
EXPECTED PAY RANGE:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $149,000 -- $273,175 annually. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. In California, the pay range for this position is $188,700 - $273,175. In Washington, the pay range for this position is $174,400 - $252,600. At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP). In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.
STATE-SPECIFIC NOTICES:
California: Fair Chance Ordinances
Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.
Colorado: Application Window Notice
If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts Legal Notice
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
INTRODUCTION
Changing the world through digital experiences is what Adobe is all about. We give everyone, from emerging artists to global brands, everything they need to build and deliver exceptional content. We're passionate about empowering people to build beautiful and powerful images, videos, and apps, and transforming how companies interact with customers across every screen. We're on a mission to hire the very best. We are committed to crafting outstanding employee experiences where everyone is respected and has equal opportunity. We realize that new ideas can come from everywhere within the company, and we know the next big idea could be yours.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join NextGen Legal, the team behind Adobe's most ambitious GenAI work. We're hiring a product counsel for our AI Products team. This role focuses on Adobe Firefly apps, Firefly features in Creative Cloud, and Adobe's creative agents platform. You'll work closely with engineering and design teams, counseling on feature development, APIs and service integrations, partner models, UX/UI workflows, and the full range of AI legal issues. You'll operate independently across a fast-moving portfolio and partner closely with product management, engineering, product marketing, business strategy, and go-to-market teams and with colleagues across Adobe Legal. You'll be based in San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, or Seattle, WA, and will report to the Managing Counsel leading the AI Products team within NextGen Legal.
- Drive legal strategy and act as the primary legal advisor for Adobe Firefly apps, Firefly features in Creative Cloud, and Adobe's creative agentic platform.
- Advise on Adobe's consumer and creator-facing SaaS and artistic applications, partnering with product teams on feature reviews, third-party AI model integrations, AI disclosures, and UX/UI workflows.
- Develop and deliver targeted legal and compliance training for internal engineering and program management teams.
- Partner with go-to-market teams to provide strategic legal advice on business strategies, marketing campaigns, and external communications.
- Contribute to cross-organizational initiatives regarding foundation model development, AI research, and data governance.
REQUIRED
What you need to succeed
- J.D. from an accredited law school and necessary bar membership.
- 6+ years of relevant legal experience.
- Meaningful in-house or law firm experience counseling AI product teams.
- Deep expertise drafting scalable terms of service, API agreements, and developer terms for SDKs, negotiating inbound and outbound software licensing agreements, and counseling on open source software compliance.
- Substantive experience advising on feature development, drafting AI disclosures, and advising on UX/UI workflows for consumer and creator SaaS products and creative tools.
- Self-starter with demonstrated ability to operate autonomously on complex matters and act as a team lead resource for peers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills!
STRONGLY PREFERRED
- Substantive experience counseling on data privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA, and emerging AI regulations like the EU AI Act.
- Versatility to support enterprise sales motions by advising on standard commercial agreements as needed!
- Experience streamlining or automating legal processes to reduce friction and accelerate product delivery.
- Technical background or geek-level curiosity about software and AI/ML development.
OTHER
- Sense of humor and enjoys working on a team with people at all levels!
- Flexible, business-friendly collaborator who can think creatively and enjoys working through complex issues.
- Dedication to high quality and timely legal advice across a range of products and services.
- Flexibility to work with colleagues, clients, and others in time zones other than where the position is based.
- Practical judgment, creative problem-solving, and good business instincts.
- Desire to make an impact and build an exciting career with our team.
ABOUT ADOBE
Adobe empowers everyone to create through innovative platforms and tools that unleash creativity, productivity and personalized customer experiences. Adobe’s industry-leading offerings including Adobe Acrobat Studio, Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Creative Cloud, Adobe Experience Platform, Adobe Experience Manager, and GenStudio enable people and businesses to turn ideas into impact, powered by AI and driven by human ingenuity. Our 30,000+ employees worldwide are creating the future and raising the bar as we drive the next decade of growth. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. At Adobe, we believe that great ideas can come from anywhere in the organization. The next big idea could be yours.
LET’S ADOBE TOGETHER
At Adobe, we believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. Learn more about Adobe life, including our values and culture, focus on people, purpose and community, Adobe for All, comprehensive benefits programs, the stories we tell, the customers we serve, and how you can help us advance our mission of empowering everyone to create. Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more. Adobe aims to make our Careers website and recruiting process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email accommodations@adobe.com or call +1 408-536-3015.
AI USE GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWS:
Our interviews are designed to reflect your own skills and thinking. The use of AI or recording tools during live interviews is not permitted unless explicitly invited by the interviewer or approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation. If these tools are used inappropriately or in a way that misrepresents your work, your application may not move forward in the process. At Adobe, we empower employees to innovate with AI — and we look for candidates eager to do the same. As part of the hiring experience, we provide clear guidance on where AI is encouraged during the process and where it’s restricted during live interviews. See how we think about AI in the hiring experience.
EXPECTED PAY RANGE:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $149,000 -- $273,175 annually. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. In California, the pay range for this position is $188,700 - $273,175. In Washington, the pay range for this position is $174,400 - $252,600. At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP). In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.
STATE-SPECIFIC NOTICES:
California: Fair Chance Ordinances
Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.
Colorado: Application Window Notice
If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts Legal Notice
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
See All 943+ Legal Counsel Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Legal Counsel JobsLegal Counsel Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Legal Counsel Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Jobot52
- Apple47
- Cooley LLP25
- Strategic Legal Practices21
- Goodwin Procter LLP20
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services282
- Technology & Software172
- Electronics & Hardware76
- Consulting & Professional Services74
- Staffing & Recruiting52
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in legal counsel jobs across California.
- Active membership in the State Bar of California in good standing
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Experience advising on California employment, privacy, or regulatory matters
- Strong background in contract drafting, negotiation, and commercial transactions
- Ability to work cross-functionally with business units and senior leadership
- Familiarity with California-specific statutes including CCPA and FEHA
Legal Counsel Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a legal counsel in California?
Becoming a legal counsel in California requires earning a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, passing the California Bar Examination administered by the State Bar of California, and obtaining admission to the State Bar. Most in-house legal counsel roles also expect prior experience at a law firm or in a corporate legal department. Specialized areas like privacy or employment law benefit from additional coursework or certification recognized in California.
How much do legal counsels make in California?
Legal counsels 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 legal counsels in California?
Employers hiring legal counsels in California right now include Jobot, Apple, and Cooley LLP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, major entertainment studios, and large healthcare systems means in-house legal departments here tend to be among the largest and most active in the country.
Which California cities have the most legal counsel jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most legal counsel openings in California. Los Angeles draws heavy demand from entertainment, media, and healthcare employers, San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area reflect the density of technology and venture-backed companies headquartered there, and San Diego generates consistent openings through its biotech, life sciences, and defense contracting industries.
Are there remote legal counsel jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 35% of legal counsel openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on drafting, reviewing, and advising rather than physical presence. Contract review, compliance counseling, and privacy advisory roles are the most frequently offered in fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a legal counsel in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a post-graduate clerkship or a junior associate role at a California law firm before transitioning in-house. Large California employers like technology companies in the Bay Area and health systems like Sutter Health and Cedars-Sinai hire legal operations coordinators and contracts administrators as feeder roles into counsel positions. Candidates who have passed the California Bar and completed a clinical or externship program focused on business or employment law have a clear advantage when applying to entry-level in-house openings.
Where can I find and apply to legal counsel jobs in California?
You can find and apply to legal counsel jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 943+ Legal Counsel Jobs in California
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