Associate Attorney

Nath Cook Law; California; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401k match

Professional development opportunities

Cutting-edge legal technology

Direct client interaction

Job summary

Nath Cook Law in Southern California seeks an Associate Attorney with 5–7 years of business law to work autonomously in a fast-paced setting. You will draft and negotiate commercial agreements, counsel clients, and manage diverse matters with direct client interaction.

Role offers significant responsibility, remote-day capabilities with monthly in-person sessions, and a compensation package of $150,000–$190,000 plus bonus opportunities.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active California bar admission.
• 5–7 years of business law experience with focus on contracts, litigation, corporate, IP, privacy or employment.
• Ability to own projects and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements including service contracts and vendor agreements.
• Conduct contract analysis to identify risks, compliance gaps, and business opportunities.
• Handle business litigation matters and corporate governance issues.
• Provide strategic counsel on formation, compliance, and operational legal matters.
• Maintain direct relationships with business clients across industries.
• Deliver clear legal advice on complex commercial matters.
• Manage multiple active matters and deadlines.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to structure solutions that advance client objectives.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract analysis

Client relations

Attention to detail

Project management

Technology proficiency

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Active California bar admission

Tools

Westlaw

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Job description

We are a small (but mighty) boutique law firm providing general counsel and litigation services to venture-backed start-ups and small businesses. We are looking for a dynamic and self-starting Associate Attorney with 5-7 years of experience in business law. This role demands the ability to thrive independently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, precision, and grit.

This is NOT a traditional law firm role. You will have direct client contact, real responsibility, and lots of autonomy. You will hit the ground running on Day 1. You will be able to request work based on your interests. You will often receive instant gratification and validation for your high-quality work product, both from the team and clients.

The ideal candidate:

• Is based in Southern California
• Has meaningful experience in one or more areas of business-related law (contracts, litigation, corporate, product, IP, privacy, and/or employment)
• Takes ownership over projects and ensures the job gets done
• Is comfortable working hard and learning fast
• Is self-starting, ambitious, and motivated
• Understands business context and has good business judgment
• Is extremely detail-oriented, professional, tech-savvy, and organized
• Is friendly, kind, and convivial

Specific Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including service contracts, vendor agreements, licensing deals, partnership arrangements, and corporate transactions
• Conduct comprehensive contract analysis to identify risks, compliance gaps, and strategic business opportunities
• Handle business litigation matters, including contract disputes, commercial disagreements, and corporate governance issues
• Conduct legal and general informational research on a wide variety of topics
• Provide strategic counsel on corporate formation, compliance, and operational legal matters
• Maintain direct relationships with business clients across multiple industries
• Deliver clear, actionable legal advice on complex commercial matters
• Manage competing priorities and tight deadlines across multiple active matters
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to structure solutions that advance client objectives

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active bar admission in the state of California
• 5-7 years of business law experience
• Contract Comprehension: Proven track record in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements with a deep understanding of business law principles
• Exceptional Attention to Detail: Ability to identify critical issues in complex documents and maintain flawless accuracy under pressure
• Professionalism: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to represent clients and the firm at the highest level
• Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills with legal technology platforms, document review tools, and emerging tech solutions
• Organizational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously with superior project management skills
• Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability: Thrives under pressure, adapts quickly to changing priorities, and maintains quality output in demanding situations

Technical Requirements

• Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and legal research capabilities (Westlaw)

Additional Expectations

• Must currently live in Southern California
• Remote for day-to-day work, with at least monthly in-person work sessions (and occasional travel to Orange County or San Francisco as applicable and needed)
• Base hours are at least 9am-5pm PST, but must be willing to put in evenings/weekend work based on current demands

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package, including $150,000 - 190,000 annual salary on a full-time basis (depending on experience) and discretionary and non-discretionary bonus programs
• Comprehensive benefits, including 401k match, and professional development opportunities
• Cutting-edge legal technology and resources
• Collaborative work environment
• Direct client interaction and business development opportunities