Associate Attorney

The Political Law Group LLP; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Political Law Group LLP is seeking a talented Associate Attorney with 1–4 years of experience to join their Sacramento office. This full-time position involves advising clients on complex political law matters, including campaign finance and lobbying compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess strong legal research and writing skills, a J.D. from an accredited law school, and must be eligible for California Bar admission. Competitive salary and benefits package included.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years of relevant legal experience in political law, election law, or government ethics.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills are required.
• Stronger judgment and ability to manage sensitive, high-stakes matters necessary.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet tight deadlines expected.
• Interest in campaigns, elections, or public affairs advantageous.
• Active membership or eligibility for prompt admission in the California Bar required.

Responsibilities

• Advising clients on California and federal campaign finance and ethics compliance.
• Counseling candidates, officials, PACs, and nonprofits on legal matters.
• Drafting legal memoranda and compliance policies.
• Providing strategic guidance on independent expenditures and coordination rules.
• Supporting regulatory inquiries and audits before relevant commissions.
• Assisting with political committee formation and structuring.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Analytical skills

Judgment

Prioritization

Independence

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Company Description

The Political Law Group LLP is a leading California political law practice advising clients across campaign finance, elections, lobbying, and government ethics. Our clients include candidates, elected officials, PACs, major nonprofits, lobbying entities, and public agencies. We are seeking a talented Associate Attorney with 1–4 years of experience to join a growing political law practice focused on campaign finance, elections, lobbying, and government ethics. The position offers immediate, substantive responsibility and direct client engagement in complex and high-profile matters.

This role is well-suited for an attorney interested in counseling clients operating at the intersection of law, politics, and public policy.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Associate Attorney role based in Sacramento, CA. The Associate Attorney will support a broad range of political law matters, including campaign finance, lobbying disclosure, government ethics and election law compliance. Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Advising clients on compliance with California and federal campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws.
• Counseling candidates, elected officials, PACs, nonprofits, lobbyists, and political consultants.
• Drafting legal memoranda, compliance policies, and advisory materials.
• Providing strategic guidance on independent expenditures, coordination rules, and committee structuring.
• Supporting and managing regulatory inquiries, audits, and enforcement matters, including matters before the California Fair Political Practices Commission and the Federal Election Commission.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, including vendor agreements, fundraising agreements, and compliance provisions.
• Assisting with formation and structuring of political committees and nonprofit entities.
• Monitoring legal developments and advise clients on regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years of relevant legal experience (political law, election law, government ethics, or regulatory compliance strongly preferred).
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong judgment and ability to manage sensitive, high-stakes matters.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Interest in campaigns, elections, or public affairs and comfort working with a diverse range of political and nonprofit clients.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership (or eligibility for prompt admission) in the California Bar.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with California Political Reform Act and regulations enforced by the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
• Experience with federal campaign finance law, including FECA and Federal Election Commission regulations.
• Background in enforcement defense, regulatory compliance, or government service.
• Familiarity with political committees, nonprofit organizations, and lobbying compliance.
• Experience in administrative litigation, enforcement defense, or agency proceedings (FPPC, FEC, or equivalent).

Compensation & Professional Development

Salary range: $125,000-$180,000 annually, commensurate with experience and class year. Competitive benefits package included. The firm is committed to associate development and offers direct client responsibility, mentorship from experienced political law practitioners, and a clear path for advancement.

How to Apply

To be considered for the role, please send a resume and cover letter to Katie Clyde at [e-mail]. Please use the exact subject line “Application for TPLG Associate Attorney Position.”

Sacramento-based office with a sophisticated and collegial practice. Preference for in-office presence five days per week to support collaboration and client service. Opportunities for meaningful client interaction and professional development.