Associate Attorney

*Associate Attorney (0-3 Years Experience) - Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA*Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.*Law Offices of John C. Carlson, P.C.**Location:* Santa Barbara, CA (Downtown); San Luis Obispo, CA (Downtown)*Salary:* $80,000 - $110,000 annually (depending on experience)*Job Type:* Full-time, In-person*Benefits:* Paid holidays, professional development support, flexible remote options*About the Firm*The *Law Offices of John C. Carlson, P.C.* is a small but busy law firm practicing *criminal defense and personal injury* throughout California's Central Coast. The firm's managing attorney has more than 10 years of legal experience and maintains offices in both *Santa Barbara* and *San Luis Obispo*.This position offers a unique opportunity for a *new or early-career attorney (0-3 years)* to gain hands-on litigation experience, work directly with clients, and manage cases from start to finish in a supportive, collegial environment.*Position Summary*We are seeking a *full-time Associate Attorney* based in *Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo* to assist with a large *personal injury and criminal defense* caseload. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn, comfortable appearing in court, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.*Responsibilities** Handle *criminal law cases* (felony and misdemeanor) from start to finish* Assist in all stages of *plaintiff-side personal injury litigation** Attend *court appearances*, both in-person and remotely* Draft *complaints, discovery requests and responses, motions, and restraining orders** Conduct *legal research* and prepare memoranda* Maintain *organized case files* and track case deadlines* Communicate regularly with *clients, courts, and opposing counsel**Qualifications** *Active California Bar license* (required)* 0-3 years of experience in *criminal defense* or *civil litigation* preferred* Strong *legal writing, research, and communication* skills* Excellent *time management* and attention to detail* Self-starter with the ability to work in a *small team environment**Work Schedule & Location** Primarily *in-person** Some *remote work* permitted* Standard schedule: *8 hours per day*, Monday-Friday, starting between *7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.** Occasional *travel to San Luis Obispo* *or Santa Barbara** Frequent communication and supervision via *Zoom meetings* with the managing attorney*Compensation & Employment Details** *Salary:* $80,000 - $110,000 annually (based on skill and experience)* *Probation Period:* 3 months* *Target Start Date:* January 1, 2026* *Benefits:* Paid holidays, flexible remote work, mentorship, and training opportunities. Benefits types and amounts will increase based on experience in the firm.*How to Apply*To apply, please email your *résumé and a brief cover letter* to:*John Carlson* - john@Qualified candidates will be contacted for a *remote initial interview*For more information about the firm, visit:Job Type: Full-timePay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per yearBenefits:* Paid time off* Professional development assistanceWork Location: In person

Created: 2025-11-13