Transactional Attorney - Oakland

Direct Counsel; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule after 90 days (3 in, 2

Hours bonus program

Benefits package

Partnership track

Collaborative culture

Professional development and pro bono

Job summary

Direct Counsel, a leading boutique law firm, seeks a Mid-Level Transactional Attorney in Oakland, CA to develop expertise in Franchise Law and serve as outside general counsel to sophisticated franchisors.

The role offers training, a clear path to partnership, and a hybrid schedule after 90 days (3 days in-office, 2 remote). You will draft, negotiate and advise on complex franchise matters while growing your practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active California Bar license in good standing.
• 3–5 years of transactional experience, including contract drafting, negotiation, and counseling.
• Strong research, writing, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and client-relations abilities.
• Interest in franchise law and willingness to train.
• Familiarity with AI-powered research tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts incl. service, license, and customer agreements.
• Draft and revise Franchise Disclosure Documents and related agreements.
• Respond to state regulatory comment letters.
• Advise clients on federal and state franchise laws and compliance.
• Counsel clients on franchise sales, renewals, and terminations.
• Analyze and implement exemption-based franchise sales strategies.
• Conduct legal research and provide business-oriented advice.
• Manage client communications and expectations.
• Participate in business development and networking activities.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Corporate/commercial counseling

Legal research

Written & verbal communication

Detail-oriented

Client management

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

AI-powered legal research tools

Job description

Transactional Attorney -- Franchise Law

Direct Counsel is representing a successful boutique law firm seeking a Mid-Level Transactional Attorney with 3--5 years of experience to join its growing practice in Oakland, CA . This is an excellent opportunity for a transactional attorney interested in developing expertise in Franchise Law and serving as outside general counsel to sophisticated clients.

Prior franchise law experience is a plus, but the firm is willing to train the right candidate. The practice primarily represents franchisors across a wide range of industries and offers an established path to partnership.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including service, license, and customer agreements
• Draft and revise Franchise Disclosure Documents and related agreements
• Respond to state regulatory comment letters
• Advise clients on federal and state franchise laws and compliance
• Counsel clients on franchise sales, renewals, and terminations
• Analyze and implement exemption-based franchise sales strategies
• Conduct legal research and provide practical business-oriented advice
• Manage client communications and expectations
• Participate in business development and networking activities

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 3--5 years of transactional experience, including contract drafting, negotiation, and corporate/commercial counseling
• **Strong legal research, writing,**analytical, and negotiation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple matters independently
• Comfortable working directly with clients and providing practical legal advice
• Interest in developing expertise in franchise law
• Familiarity with AI-powered legal research and drafting tools preferred

Compensation & Benefits

• $160,000--$190,000 salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Hybrid work schedule available after 90 days (3dys in office, 2dys remote)
• Tiered Hours Bonus Program available to attorneys who meet or exceed the annual billing requirement of 1,610 hours
• Competitive benefits package
• Established path to partnership
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Interesting and sophisticated transactional work
• Opportunities for professional development and pro bono involvement