Associate Attorney

NACBA; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NACBA is seeking an Associate Attorney to work on-site in Newport Beach, CA, under the guidance of the principal attorney. You will handle a range of legal matters and collaborate with staff to ensure timely, ethical representation.

The role requires a Juris Doctor and active CA Bar membership (or prompt admission). You will conduct research, draft pleadings, and interact with clients, opposing counsel, and colleagues to advance cases. Prior practice is valued but not required.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar in good standing (or eligible to gain admission soon).
• Minimum 2 years of relevant legal experience.
• Knowledge of Labor & Employment Law or willingness to develop subject-matter expertise.
• Ability to provide clear, practical legal advice under supervision.
• Excellent legal research skills — case law, statutes, and administrative guidance.
• Effective negotiation skills and ability to advocate professionally.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including precise drafting.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and prioritize deadlines.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Prior law firm or clerkship experience preferred, but not required.
• Openness to mentorship and a genuine commitment to continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research and apply findings to complex fact patterns
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, and professional correspondence
• Prepare documents and materials for hearings, mediations, and negotiations
• Meet with clients, gather and analyze facts, and provide preliminary legal analysis
• Support case strategy development in partnership with the principal attorney
• Communicate with opposing counsel and third parties professionally
• Assist with negotiation and resolution of disputes
• Manage deadlines, court filings, and case calendars with precision

Skills

Legal research

Written & verbal communication

Negotiation skills

Time management

Client interaction

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

About the Position

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. This position requires close collaboration with colleagues and staff to ensure accurate, timely, and ethical representation.

Day-to-Day

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research and apply findings to complex fact patterns
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, and professional correspondence
• Prepare documents and materials for hearings, mediations, and negotiations
• Meet with clients, gather and analyze facts, and provide preliminary legal analysis
• Support case strategy development in partnership with the principal attorney
• Communicate with opposing counsel and third parties professionally
• Assist with negotiation and resolution of disputes
• Manage deadlines, court filings, and case calendars with precision

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

Required:Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California, or eligibility and intent to gain admission promptly.

• Minimum 2 years of relevant legal experience
• Strong foundation in law, with the ability to apply legal principles to complex matters
• Knowledge of Labor & Employment Law, or willingness to develop subject-matter expertise
• Ability to provide clear, practical legal advice under supervision
• Excellent legal research skills - case law, statutes, and administrative guidance
• Effective negotiation skills and ability to advocate professionally
• Strong written and verbal communication, including precise drafting
• Ability to manage multiple matters and prioritize competing deadlines
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality
• Prior law firm or clerkship experience preferred, but not required
• Openness to mentorship and a genuine commitment to continuous learning

Part time may be available - subject to Carrie E. Foglesong