How much does a General Counsel make in San Francisco, CA?
A General Counsel in San Francisco, CA, earns an average yearly salary of about $238,674. Salaries can range widely based on experience and specific responsibilities. The lowest 10% of General Counsel earn around $136,680, while the top 10% earn more than $401,580.
This high salary reflects the important role General Counsel play in major corporations. They provide legal advice, help manage risks, and ensure compliance with laws. In San Francisco, the demand for skilled General Counsel is high due to the large number of tech companies and startups.
What are the highest paying cities for a General Counsel near San Francisco, CA?

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Livermore, CA
Average Salary: $317,680
In Livermore, California, legal professionals benefit from a stable market driven by tech and energy firms. The proximity to major tech hubs provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
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Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $298,811
Palo Alto offers a dynamic environment for legal experts. Companies like Google and Facebook present unique challenges and growth opportunities. The tech-driven market demands sharp legal minds.
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Mountain View, CA
Average Salary: $280,011
Mountain View is home to tech giants such as Google. Legal professionals here enjoy working in a fast-paced, innovative environment. The city’s strong economy provides numerous job opportunities.
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Santa Clara, CA
Average Salary: $267,446
Santa Clara’s tech-centric landscape offers many opportunities for legal experts. Working here means dealing with cutting-edge tech companies. The competitive market ensures dynamic legal work.
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Redwood City, CA
Average Salary: $250,185
In Redwood City, California, legal professionals find a mix of tech and legal challenges. The city’s companies, like Oracle, provide rich, diverse experiences. The environment is both vibrant and demanding.
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San Mateo, CA
Average Salary: $246,990
San Mateo offers a unique blend of tech and legal opportunities. Working here means engaging with top-tier companies. The city’s strong economy and vibrant culture create a rewarding work environment.
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South San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $240,000
South San Francisco provides a thriving environment for legal professionals. The biotech industry is booming, offering unique legal challenges. The city's growth creates many job opportunities.
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Menlo Park, CA
Average Salary: $239,948
Menlo Park, known for its tech hub, offers exciting opportunities for legal experts. Companies like Facebook provide dynamic challenges. The innovative environment ensures varied and interesting work.
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Oakland, CA
Average Salary: $239,860
Oakland presents a diverse environment for legal professionals. The city’s mix of tech and traditional businesses offers varied opportunities. Working here means engaging with a vibrant community.
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Alameda, CA
Average Salary: $221,339
Alameda, California, offers a balanced market for legal experts. The city’s tech companies and strong economy provide numerous job opportunities. It’s a great place for professional growth.
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What are the best paying companies for a General Counsel in San Francisco, CA?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $367,625
OpenAI offers exciting opportunities for General Counsel roles. They focus on creating AI that benefits everyone. Their headquarters is in San Francisco, CA, and they operate globally.
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Scale AI
Average Salary: $284,100
Scale AI seeks General Counsel to manage their legal needs. They develop tools for data labeling. Their main office is in San Francisco, CA, with global operations.
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Rippling
Average Salary: $254,375
Rippling provides a platform to manage HR, IT, and finance. General Counsel roles here focus on navigating complex legal landscapes. They are based in San Francisco, CA, and have a global reach.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $249,500
Salesforce offers top-tier General Counsel positions. They are a leader in customer relationship management. Their headquarters is in San Francisco, CA, with a worldwide presence.
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Sigma Computing
Average Salary: $222,188
Sigma Computing seeks General Counsel to help manage legal matters. They focus on analytics and data. They are based in San Francisco, CA, and serve clients globally.
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City College Of San Francisco
Average Salary: $211,153
City College Of San Francisco offers a General Counsel role in an educational environment. They provide various programs and services. Their location is in San Francisco, CA.
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Wilson Elser
Average Salary: $204,375
Wilson Elser is a law firm looking for General Counsel. They focus on litigation and risk management. Their office is in San Francisco, CA, with many more across the U.S.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $178,527
Amazon.com offers General Counsel positions to manage legal challenges. They operate in e-commerce and cloud computing. Their main office is in San Francisco, CA, with global locations.
What are the best paying General Counsel related jobs in San Francisco, CA?

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Risk Management Director
Average Salary: $252,798
This role leads the strategy to identify and manage risks in large organizations. Companies like Google and Salesforce often hire for this position. They work to ensure the company runs smoothly and legally.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $210,706
Counsel provides legal advice to organizations and individuals. At firms like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, counsel help companies navigate complex legal issues. They draft legal documents and represent the company in legal matters.
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Real Estate Attorney
Average Salary: $209,136
Real estate attorneys handle legal matters related to property. They ensure that buying, selling, or leasing property follows all laws. Companies like Zillow and Compass hire real estate attorneys. They advise on transactions and handle disputes.
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Patent Attorney
Average Salary: $192,500
Patent attorneys help companies protect their inventions. They file patents and defend them in court if needed. Tech firms like Apple and Facebook often hire patent attorneys. They ensure the company’s innovations are legally protected.
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Regulatory Affairs Manager
Average Salary: $184,260
This role ensures that companies follow all laws and regulations. In cities like San Francisco, companies in the biotech and finance sectors often need these experts. They manage compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
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Compliance Officer
Average Salary: $178,857
Compliance officers make sure companies follow laws and regulations. They develop policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Banks like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo hire compliance officers. They conduct audits and training to keep everyone informed.
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Estate Planning Attorney
Average Salary: $178,438
Estate planning attorneys help people manage their assets. They create wills and trusts to ensure that a person’s wishes are carried out after they pass. Firms like Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman often hire these attorneys. They help clients protect their wealth and legacy.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $166,563
Attorneys represent clients in legal matters. They can work in many areas, including criminal, family, or corporate law. In San Francisco, firms like Latham & Watkins and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati hire attorneys. They advise clients and represent them in court.
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Insurance Attorney
Average Salary: $159,722
Insurance attorneys help clients with insurance-related legal issues. They handle claims, disputes, and policy reviews. Insurance companies like Blue Shield of California often hire these attorneys. They ensure clients get the coverage they need.
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Legal Department Manager
Average Salary: $149,100
Legal department managers oversee the legal team in a company. They manage budgets and ensure the team meets legal needs. At companies like Salesforce and Dropbox, legal department managers coordinate with other departments. They ensure the company complies with all laws.
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