various locations, California, US

Global Pro Bono Hub; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Orrick is seeking a Pro Bono Counsel to lead and strengthen the Firm’s U.S. pro bono program with a California focus. The role can be based in any California office and requires a JD and California admission.

You will work with the Pro Bono Committee, leadership, and partners to develop opportunities, engage attorneys, and ensure meaningful pro bono impact. Strong strategic, relationship, and communication skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree or equivalent experience required.
• Admission to practice in California required.
• At least 8 years of relevant legal, pro bono or program management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic priorities for the U.S. pro bono program, focusing on California.
• Identify high-impact pro bono matters, programs and partnerships.
• Staff appropriate pro bono opportunities from intake through completion.
• Coordinate pro bono activities in California and support other U.S. offices.
• Build relationships with legal services organizations, nonprofits, bar associations, and clients.
• Explore collaboration with clients on pro bono initiatives in California.
• Engage attorneys through communications, training and participation initiatives.
• Evaluate the program with leadership and allocate resources effectively.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Judgment

Independent work

Collaborative

Public service passion

Education

J.D. degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Share Orrick currently has an excellent opportunity for a Pro Bono Counsel.

At a glance

Organisation: Orrick

Type: Full-time

Location: various locations, California, US

Job posted: 23 September 2026

Orrick currently has an excellent opportunity for a Pro Bono Counsel. This position could be based in any of our California Offices (Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Monica, or Silicon Valley).

The Pro Bono Counsel will help lead and strengthen the Firm’s U.S. pro bono program, with a primary focus on California. The Counsel will work closely with the Pro Bono Committee, Firm leadership, attorneys, clients, nonprofit organizations, legal services providers, and community partners to develop meaningful pro bono opportunities, engage attorneys, and ensure the effective delivery and impact of the Firm’s pro bono work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic priorities for the Firm’s U.S. pro bono program, with particular emphasis on California.
• Identify significant legal and community needs and develop high-impact pro bono matters, programs, and partnerships.
• Serve as a resource to attorneys, helping identify and staff appropriate pro bono opportunities and supporting matters from intake through completion.
• Coordinate pro bono activities in California while supporting the Firm’s other U.S. offices as appropriate.
• Build and maintain relationships with legal services organizations, nonprofits, bar associations, clients, and other community partners, primarily focused on California.
• Develop opportunities for collaboration with clients and prospective clients on pro bono initiatives in California where appropriate.
• In collaboration with the Pro Bono team, engage attorneys and staff through communications, training, and other initiatives that encourage meaningful participation.
• Work with Firm leadership and the Pro Bono Committee to evaluate the program, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure resources are deployed effectively.

The Successful Candidate

• J.D. degree or equivalent experience required.
• Admission to practice in California required.
• At least 8 years of relevant legal, pro bono, public interest, program management, or related experience.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, legal services providers, law firms, bar associations, corporate legal departments, or similar organizations.
• Strong understanding of the California pro bono landscape and familiarity with national pro bono organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and access to justice.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong strategic, project-management, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent judgment and ability to prioritize opportunities based on impact and available resources.
• Ability to work effectively with attorneys at all levels and across a large, geographically dispersed organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Practical, creative, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across offices and practice groups.
• Passion for pro bono service and commitment to achieving meaningful results for clients and communities.

Preferred Experience

Experience in a law firm pro bono program, legal services or public interest organization, California legal services organization, impact litigation, or corporate pro bono program is preferred. Experience developing multi-office or multidisciplinary initiatives is a plus.