Charter School Employment Counseling Attorney - Junior to Mid-Level Associate

Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Procopio's Labor & Employment Team in San Diego or Del Mar Heights seeks a junior to mid-level Associate Attorney for its Charter School Practice. The role offers substantial client contact and growth opportunities within an AmLaw 200 firm serving charter schools across California.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years of experience advising charter schools, public agencies, or educational nonprofits on employment matters and hold admission to the California Bar.

Qualifications

• Admission to the California Bar (required).
• 3–4 years of experience advising charter schools, public agencies, and educational employers on employment matters.
• Working knowledge of California laws for charter schools and public agencies (Brown Act, CPRA, Education Code).
• Experience with leaves, accommodations, wage/hour compliance, discipline/termination, investigations, and handbooks/policies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise charter schools and related educational employers on employment matters.
• Provide practical legal advice and client-facing support.
• Research and analyze issues independently; communicate clearly with clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues across practice areas to meet client needs.

Skills

Legal writing

Verbal communication

Analytical reasoning

Research skills

Client relations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Procopio's Labor & Employment Team is seeking a junior to mid-level Associate Attorney to join its established Charter School Practice in our San Diego or Del Mar Heights office. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic practice at an AmLaw 200 firm, representing charter schools throughout California on a broad range of employment law matters. The position offers significant client contact, professional growth opportunities, and practice development support.

The ideal candidate has three to four years of experience advising charter schools, public agencies, educational institutions, nonprofits or other employers on employment matters. Candidates should have a working knowledge of California laws applicable to charter schools and public agencies, including the Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and California Education Code. Experience advising employers on medical leaves and accommodations, wage and hour compliance, employee discipline and terminations, workplace investigations, and drafting employee handbooks, policies, and agreements is highly desirable.

We are looking for an attorney who enjoys working directly with clients, providing practical legal advice, and helping school leaders navigate complex legal and operational challenges. Qualified candidates must be able to independently research and analyze legal issues, exercise sound judgment, anticipate client needs, and communicate legal requirements clearly and effectively. Strong writing, verbal, analytical, and research skills are essential, as is the ability to collaborate with colleagues across practice areas.

This position requires admission to the California Bar and excellent academic credentials. The typical salary range is $160,000 - $210,000 depending on qualifications and experience. We also offer significant bonus opportunities for attorneys at all levels.

Procopio's Labor & Employment Team is led by nationally recognized attorneys whose accolades include Super Lawyers®, Best Lawyers®, and Rising Stars® for Employment. The group has earned a Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking from U.S. News–Best Law Firms® in San Diego for Employment Law–Management.

We are committed to the professional development of our attorneys and fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. If you are looking for an opportunity to build a rewarding practice, develop meaningful client relationships, and make a difference in California's charter school community, we encourage you to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, transcripts, and writing sample (required).