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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Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.
Do you love taking on big challenges without precedent? Do you possess a deep knowledge of the legal field and a passion for innovation? As a part of our commercial litigation team, you’ll help provide legal support for all our products and businesses. Working for a company that invents entire categories and industries means you’ll be challenged to creatively apply your deep legal expertise to rare and often unexplored aspects of the law.
We are looking for a litigator with great judgment and a demonstrated ability to manage the day-to-day progress of complex litigation. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who has experience in handling consumer class actions with a focus on online safety. Bonus points for experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning. This role requires a litigator with highly efficient time management skills and the ability to strategically run litigation matters from beginning to end.
Description
As a member of Apple's litigation team, you will not be merely monitoring outside counsel. Rather, you will personally be formulating and driving strategy as well as working with a number of cross-functional teams and stakeholders across all product areas. The position requires a high degree of self-sufficiency, independent judgment and a trial-focused approach. Travel is anticipated. You will operate as part of a supportive and fun team of lawyers, legal specialists and support staff who work closely together to protect Apple's interests.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience litigating online safety related disputes
Experience with consumer class actions and artificial intelligence and machine learning
Strong technology interest and aptitude
Meaningful trial and/or arbitration experience
Excellent communication, analytical, organization, and negotiation skills are essential
Minimum Qualifications
4+ years of consumer class action litigation experience at a major law firm and/or in-house
JD or equivalent and admission to at least one US state bar
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $204,700 and $307,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See All 87 Legal Counsel Jobs in California
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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



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Music
- Retail
- Education
- Media & Entertainment
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 Apple, TikTok, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Irvine, and Los Angeles 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 59% of legal counsel openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 87 Legal Counsel Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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