Jobs/Opportunities

The Orange County Superior Court was established in 1893 and maintains jurisdiction over a wide range of matters, with our flagship location being the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, with additional courthouses located in Orange (Lamoreaux), Newport Beach (Harbor), Fullerton (North), and Westminster (West), as the fifth-largest trial court in the United States and the third-largest court of general jurisdiction in California. They have more than 140 judicial officers and over 1,500 staff with an operating budget of nearly $280 million.

Appellate Division Research Attorneys work under the direction of the Appellate Panel Judges and General Counsel and report to the Supervising Research Attorney. Responsibilities include researching civil and criminal legal issues; reviewing writs, appellate briefs, trial records, and other case materials; and drafting clear, concise memoranda and proposed opinions. Attorneys attend case conferences and oral arguments and make timely recommendations on matters before the court.

The position requires strong analytical, research, writing, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to incorporate feedback and revise work effectively. Candidates must be self-directed, manage a high-volume workload under short deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and perform their duties with the highest integrity.

BAR MEMBERSHIP
Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
 
EXPERIENCE
At least three (3) years of post-California Bar appellate law experience or experience as an appellate judicial staff attorney, or comparable position is required.
 
WRITING SAMPLE
Applicants must submit a self-edited writing sample with their application.  A preferable writing sample consists of an appellate specific brief directed to an appellate division or appellate panel. 
 
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five (5) years of experience practicing in one or more of the following areas:
  1. Appellate practitioner, an appellate judicial staff attorney, or comparable position emphasizing legal writing and analysis 
  2. Familiarity with appellate practice and writ practice and procedures
• Proficiency in online and windows-based legal research applications, as well as in using MS Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• Excellent research and writing skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently on a wide variety of legal issues of varied complexity, to effectively manage one's time in order to meet stringent time constraints, and to interact professionally with Judicial Officers, colleagues, and court staff.

Annual salary range with benefits: $129,313.60 - $164,777.60.

Deadline to apply is September 13, 2026.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and submit your application.

The California Department of Justice is seeking to fill numerous attorney positions throughout the State of California. Below is a list of the most current Deputy Attorney General (DAG) series vacancies. You can review the job announcements for each vacancy by clicking on the hyperlink under the “LINK” column.  

If you are interested in applying, please complete your application on or before the deadline.

View the current job openings HERE.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

UC Legal - Office of General Counsel is located in Oakland, California, and is staffed with system-wide legal experts who provide an extraordinary range of legal services to the University of California (UC) and its Office of the President, its 10 campuses and 5 medical centers, as well as its reserves and field stations. For more information, visit https://www.ucop.edu/uc-legal/.

The Principal Counsel, Core Litigation, manages outside counsel and handles complex litigation and adversarial matters involving the University. Responsibilities may include administrative hearings and writ petitions, California Public Records Act proceedings, commercial disputes, class actions, bankruptcy, collections, trusts and estates, third-party subpoenas, and affirmative recoveries.

The attorney manages all phases of litigation, including trial, appeals, and witness depositions, while providing practical legal advice, compliance guidance, and risk mitigation strategies across the University. Additional responsibilities include overseeing outside counsel, mentoring less-experienced attorneys, and contributing to University-wide policies and procedures. The successful candidate must be able to independently manage complex legal matters and provide sound, practical advice in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

80% Core Legal Services:

• Builds strategic relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to University business units, providing practical legal advice and solutions.

• Advises senior leadership on legal and policy matters.

• Collaborates with colleagues across the University to ensure compliance with changing legal requirements.

• Provides expert counsel on complex civil litigation and negotiates matters on behalf of The Regents.

• Manages outside counsel and directly represents the University in complex litigation.

• Independently handles high-impact legal matters and projects.

• Persuasively represents institutional interests to internal and external parties.

• Supports the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel with litigation-related matters for Regents meetings.

15% Compliance & Resource Management:

• Delegates work effectively to maximize efficiencies.
• Makes recommendations concerning areas of work to perform in-house, versus payment for an outside firm.
• Ensures accurate record keeping in compliance with OGC data quality protocols.
• Complies with delegations of authority for committing University funds.

5% Leadership:

• Provides functional advice, training and/or guidance and effectively mentors less-experienced attorneys.
• Provides clear expectations and mentors legal support staff to meet expected levels of productivity and accuracy.
• Develops guidance, processes and practices for the Core litigation team and facilitates knowledge management and knowledge transfer.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of litigation experience in a law firm, or in-house counsel for an academic institution, corporation or other entity required.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of complex legal issues and strong legal research abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility with colleagues, clients, and senior leadership.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills, including in challenging situations.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound discretion.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Strong project management and policy development skills.

Education/Licenses and Certifications:

• Advanced degree in related area required
• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.

Annual salary range with benefits: $235,000 - $272,000.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and submit your application.

Kutak Rock LLP, a U.S. News and World Report rated "Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms", provides associates the opportunity to rapidly grow their legal career in a collegial and collaborative environment and seeks an Associate in its Los Angeles office to join its busy litigation and trial practice.

This dynamic role is ideal for an attorney with interest in developing their knowledge and skills in complex environmental, toxic tort and commercial litigation while working closely with experienced partners and more senior associates. 

Annual salary, bonuses and benefits:  $145,000 – $195,000+, depending on experience and qualifications.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.

The Associate Attorney will work on-site in Newport Beach, CA, handling a range of legal matters under the supervision and guidance of the principal attorney. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, memoranda, and correspondence, and preparing documents for hearings, mediations, and negotiations. The role involves meeting with clients, gathering and analyzing facts, providing preliminary legal analysis, and supporting case strategy development. The Associate Attorney will also communicate with opposing counsel and third parties, assist with negotiation and resolution of disputes, and manage deadlines, court filings, and case calendars. This position requires close collaboration with colleagues and staff to ensure accurate, timely, and ethical representation.

Submit your Resume to:

cfoglesong@lawofficeofcarrieefoglesong.com 

Cover Letters and Letter of Recommendation are highly encouraged. 

GMSR’s Appellate Fellowship offers recent law school graduates an opportunity to explore an interest in appellate advocacy and begin to develop an appellate practice early in their careers. Fellows join GMSR for a two-year term after law school. They are fully integrated into all aspects of the firm’s work. Under the close supervision and mentorship of GMSR attorneys, fellows will perform legal research, draft legal arguments, assist attorneys in preparing for oral argument, co-author articles, and cite-check briefs and motions.

GMSR hopes that fellows will go on to judicial clerkships after the fellowship. Although we prefer that fellows be based in the firm's Los Angeles office, we will also consider applicants located near our offices in San Francisco and Orange County, or elsewhere in California. 

To learn more about becoming an Appellate Fellow at GMSR, read the Q&A with GMSR’s first Fellow, Tina Kuang:  GMSR Associate And Former Appellate Fellow Tina Kuang On Her Rare Opportunity To Start Her Career As An Appellate Lawyer.

To apply for the fellowship, please send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to careers@gmsr.com.

Madison Law is seeking an accomplished Civil Litigation Attorney with 10+ years of experience to join their growing Orange County practice in a senior-level role.

They are looking for an experienced attorney who can independently manage sophisticated litigation matters, develop strategy, advise clients, take and defend depositions, handle substantive hearings and mediations, and move cases efficiently from inception through trial or resolution.

This is an opportunity for an established litigator who wants autonomy, meaningful client responsibility, and the ability to play an important role in the continued growth of a successful law firm. 

Madison Law is particularly interested in attorneys who bring strong judgment and practical litigation experience and who enjoy taking ownership of their matters rather than operating within a highly layered firm structure.

Responsibilities:

• Independently oversee civil litigation matters from inception through resolution or trial
• Develop and execute litigation and settlement strategy
• Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor to clients
• Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions
• Take and defend depositions, including expert depositions where appropriate
• Handle mediations, arbitrations, settlement conferences, and significant court appearances
• Prepare cases for trial and participate in trials, either as the lead or second chair
• Supervise and collaborate with associate attorneys and support staff
• Evaluate exposure, settlement opportunities, and litigation strategy
• Negotiate sophisticated transactions and/or settlements
• Help maintain and strengthen client relationships
• Participate in business development and growth of the practice where appropriate

Qualifications:

• Active California Bar membership in good standing
• 10+ years of meaningful civil litigation experience
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage litigation matters
• Significant deposition, motion, mediation, and courtroom experience
• Trial experience is highly valued, jury experience is preferred
• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills
• Strong strategic judgment and ability to provide practical advice to clients
• Ability to manage matters efficiently while maintaining excellent client service
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Portable business is welcomed but is not required
• Existing client relationships or business-development experience may support additional compensation

California Bar membership is required. All inquiries will be treated confidentially.

Annual salary, bonuses and benefits:  $240,000 – $300,000+, depending on experience and qualifications.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.

Madison Law, a reputable Orange County law firm with a diverse civil practice, is seeking an experienced Litigation Attorneys with approximately 5–9 years of experience to join their litigation team.

This is not a junior associate position. They are looking for capable litigators who are ready to take meaningful ownership of cases, work directly with clients, make court appearances, take and defend depositions, participate in mediations, and develop matters from inception through resolution and trial. 

The candidate will have the opportunity to handle substantive litigation while working alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment. Madison Law values good judgment, strong advocacy, responsiveness, and results—not unnecessary bureaucracy.

Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a civil litigation caseload with appropriate support and supervision
• Develop case strategy from initial evaluation through resolution
• Draft and argue substantive motions
• Take and defend depositions
• Handle court appearances, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences
• Conduct and oversee written discovery and formulate discovery strategies
• Negotiate settlements and advocate directly for clients
• Prepare matters for arbitration and trial
• Work directly with clients regarding strategy, risk, and case developments
• Collaborate with partners and other attorneys on complex matters
• Exposure to state and federal litigation as well as multiple types of arbitration 

Qualifications:

• Active California Bar membership in good standing
• Approximately 5–9 years of civil litigation experience
• Meaningful experience managing litigation matters
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Deposition and court appearance experience strongly preferred
• Ability to independently prioritize and move cases forward
• Excellent judgment, organization, and client communication skills
• A practical, strategic approach to litigation
• Strong work ethics and commitment to excellent client service 

California Bar membership is required. All inquiries will be treated confidentially.

Annual salary, bonuses and benefits:  $170,000–$225,000+, depending on experience and qualifications.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.

Founded in 1981, the Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, its staff and volunteers provided more than 65,000 hours of free legal services across 4,500+ cases, benefiting children, adults, and seniors. Services include legal counseling, representation, community education, policy advocacy, and impact litigation to address societal injustices.

PLC’s Immigration Unit provides fearless direct legal representation to, in addition to coordinating and supervising pro bono representation for, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, persecution and other crimes (U Visas, T Visas, VAWA, asylum, and adjustment of status); children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status); young people who arrived as children (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals); lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. Citizenship (naturalization); and for immigrants in Immigration Court proceedings (both detained and non-detained removal defense).

Responsibilities: 

• Full-time, in-office (5 days/week). Subject to 6-month probation. Reports to co-supervising attorney and lead paralegal.
• Provide administrative support to the Immigration Unit, including filing, scanning, mail processing, client appointments, phone screenings, conflict checks, eligibility determinations, document collection, interpretation/translation, and support for legal clinics, workshops, and community events (occasional evenings/weekends).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required. 1–3 years’ experience in a non-profit or law office preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook) and willingness to learn other software.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and oral/written communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to immigrant or marginalized communities. Bilingual English/Spanish required.

Salary dependent on experience; range of $25.00/hour to $27.00/hour.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.

Founded in 1981, the Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, its staff and volunteers provided more than 65,000 hours of free legal services across 4,500+ cases, benefiting children, adults, and seniors. Services include legal counseling, representation, community education, policy advocacy, and impact litigation to address societal injustices.

The Public Law Center’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit seeks a passionate advocate to fight for low-income tenants and self-represented litigants in Orange County through innovative, community-centered legal services.

The Unit provides direct and pro bono representation in unlawful detainer, discrimination, harassment, housing voucher disputes, affordable housing advocacy, and other housing matters. It also supports community education, legal clinics, and local and statewide advocacy.

This position offers an opportunity to transition to a Staff Attorney role after one year, contingent upon bar admission.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a diverse caseload representing low-income tenants in eviction, discrimination, habitability, subsidized housing, and landlord/tenant matters.
• Coordinate referrals to other PLC units for comprehensive legal services.
• Investigate cases through housing inspections and review of agency records and documents.
• Represent PLC at networking and community outreach events.
• Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work.
• Attend remote and in-person meetings and travel throughout Orange County and, as needed, neighboring counties. Must be based in Southern California and able to work from PLC’s Santa Ana office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• California Bar membership, pending admission, or eligibility under the State Bar Multijurisdictional Practice Program.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese preferred.
• Housing law and/or eviction defense experience preferred.
• Commitment to serving low-income communities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable transportation required.

The annual salary is $70,000 while licensure is pending; $79,000 once admitted to the CA Bar.

Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.