Aviation Associate / Senior Associate / Senior Counsel | Litigation, Regulatory & Licensing

Above the Bar; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Above the Bar, a well-established aviation practice group within a global firm, is expanding from first-year associates through senior counsel. The group handles aviation litigation, leasing, licensing, regulatory, and finance work and seeks someone who wants a long-term career in aviation, not just a litigation job.

Locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orange County, with fully remote CA-based consideration for the right candidate; junior associates should expect some in-office time.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active and in good standing with the State Bar of California (must reside in CA).
• Strong legal research, writing, and communication skills

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Active California State Bar

Job description

A well-established aviation practice group at a global firm is looking to add to its bench, from first-year associate through senior counsel level. This isn't a narrow litigation-only role — the group handles aviation litigation, leasing, licensing, regulatory, and finance work, and is looking for someone who wants to build a long-term career in the aviation industry specifically, not just take a litigation job that happens to touch aviation.

Locations

Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orange County. Fully remote (California-based) considered for the right candidate. Junior associates should expect some in-office time.

Who They're Looking For

• First-year associates through senior counsel — level is flexible for the right fit
• Junior candidates: aviation experience isn't required, but genuine interest in the industry or demonstrated leadership potential is
• Litigation background required; personal injury experience is a plus
• Coachable, low-ego, good to work with — this group screens hard for culture fit
• Career-track candidates; frequent job changes are a mismatch for this role

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
• Active and in good standing with the State Bar of California (must reside in CA)
• Strong legal research, writing, and communication skills

Culture

• Leadership is hands-on and invests in getting to know team members individually, including what motivates them
• Team gathers periodically to review group status together, not just work in isolation
• Real disconnection during vacation is protected — the team backs each other up so people can actually be offline