How much does a Staff Attorney make in Irvine, CA?
If you're thinking about becoming a Staff Attorney in Irvine, CA, it’s important to understand what kind of salary you might expect. The average yearly salary for a Staff Attorney in this area is around $181,201. This average includes many factors, like experience, the specific job role, and the employer. With this pay, many attorneys find their work both rewarding and financially comfortable.
Here’s a closer look at the salary distribution. At the lower end, 10% of Staff Attorneys earn about $122,845 per year. As experience and expertise grow, so do the earnings. For example, the top 10% earn around $226,983 or more annually. This wide range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and higher earnings with more experience. It also shows that being a Staff Attorney in Irvine, CA, can lead to a stable and potentially lucrative career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Staff Attorney near Irvine, CA?

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Brea, CA
Average Salary: $151,100
In Brea, you can expect to join law firms that focus on various specialties. This area is known for its robust legal community, with many lawyers working on cases in intellectual property and real estate. Brea’s business-friendly environment provides good opportunities for growth.
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Costa Mesa, CA
Average Salary: $125,778
Costa Mesa is a great place for attorneys, especially those interested in intellectual property and environmental law. The city is home to many specialized law firms and government agencies. The vibrant community offers a balanced lifestyle with many nearby attractions.
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Orange, CA
Average Salary: $117,638
Working in Orange gives you access to a diverse range of legal cases. The city is known for its strong legal community, with many firms dealing in corporate and family law. Orange’s central location makes it easy to commute from nearby areas.
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Santa Ana, CA
Average Salary: $97,944
Santa Ana offers a dynamic legal job market. The city is known for its significant presence of both private firms and public sector jobs. Attorneys here often deal with cases in immigration and civil litigation. The area's diverse population provides a rich legal environment.
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Anaheim, CA
Average Salary: $96,625
Anaheim's legal field is thriving, especially in areas like entertainment law and business litigation. The city is a hub for many large companies, offering excellent opportunities for attorneys. Anaheim’s vibrant community and cultural events make it a lively place to work.
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Tustin, CA
Average Salary: $80,050
Tustin is an ideal place for those seeking a balanced legal career. The city is known for its family-friendly environment and strong educational institutions. Many law firms here focus on real estate and family law, providing a variety of opportunities for attorneys.
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What are the best paying companies for a Staff Attorney in Irvine, CA?

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FedEx
Average Salary: $193,062
FedEx offers rewarding Staff Attorney positions, focusing on legal compliance and intellectual property protection. With operations worldwide, FedEx provides dynamic and impactful roles for legal professionals.
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Kahana & Feld LLP
Average Salary: $171,875
At Kahana & Feld LLP, Staff Attorneys work on a range of legal matters, from litigation to corporate law. This law firm specializes in providing dedicated legal services, located centrally in the heart of Irvine, CA.
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The Hartford
Average Salary: $151,395
The Hartford hires Staff Attorneys to manage various legal issues, including insurance law and regulatory compliance. As a leading insurance company, The Hartford operates across the United States, offering extensive opportunities for legal professionals.
What are the best paying Staff Attorney related jobs in Irvine, CA?

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Patent Attorney
Average Salary: $238,333
This role involves working with inventors to protect their ideas. It requires a solid understanding of intellectual property law. Firms in Irvine, CA, such as the one led by Smith & Associates, often hire for this position.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $210,021
General Counsel works with a company’s legal team to manage legal matters. This position demands strong communication and leadership skills. In Irvine, top firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati seek candidates for this role.
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Civil Rights Attorney
Average Salary: $202,500
This role advocates for individuals facing discrimination. It involves handling cases related to civil rights violations. Legal aid organizations in Irvine, such as ACLU of Southern California, often have openings for civil rights attorneys.
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Compliance Officer
Average Salary: $177,233
Compliance Officers ensure a company follows laws and regulations. This job requires a keen eye for detail. Corporations in Irvine, including those in the tech industry, frequently need compliance experts.
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Real Estate Attorney
Average Salary: $175,789
Real estate attorneys handle property transactions and disputes. They need to understand real estate laws. In Irvine, firms like CBRE and Jones Lang LaSalle offer opportunities for real estate attorneys.
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Defense Attorney
Average Salary: $165,000
Defense Attorneys represent clients accused of crimes. This role requires strong negotiation and advocacy skills. Public defenders’ offices and private firms in Irvine, such as the Orange County Public Defender, recruit for these positions.
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Insurance Attorney
Average Salary: $160,400
Insurance Attorneys handle claims and disputes involving insurance policies. They must be knowledgeable about insurance laws. Insurance companies in Irvine, like Farmers Insurance, often hire insurance attorneys.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $155,034
Counsel provides legal advice to businesses and individuals. This role involves thorough research and legal writing. Many law firms in Irvine, such as O'Melveny & Myers, seek skilled counsel.
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Attorney
Average Salary: $146,656
Attorneys handle legal cases and provide legal advice. They need strong research and writing skills. Law firms in Irvine, such as Epstein Becker Green, regularly hire attorneys for various specializations.
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Regulatory Affairs Manager
Average Salary: $135,813
Regulatory Affairs Managers ensure companies comply with industry regulations. They need to stay updated on changes in laws. Companies in Irvine, including those in biotech, like Amgen, employ regulatory affairs managers.
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