← Search all jobs

Associate Attorney (Government Contracts)

Orion Placement

Listing collected from Orion Placement's career site. NextChapter is independent of Orion Placement.

San Francisco, CA · Posted October 15, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at Orion Placement

More in California job market · All Associate Attorney jobs (424) · Healthcare & Hospital Systems · Legal jobs

More roles at Orion Placement

Similar jobs

Where San Francisco, CA ranks

Where San Francisco, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.

Rankings about legal jobs

Legal jobs · Top Legal employers · All rankings

Pay compared with the market

This listing does not state pay. Across 114 open associate attorney listings that state pay, the middle half runs $118,000 to $180,000 and the median is $148,000.

Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.

Associate Attorney salaries by state · Check your own pay

How AI is used in this kind of work

Among lawyers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for lawyers: 17% (some).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

About the job

Pay: $195,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

Step into a tight-knit, nationally respected litigation boutique where smaller truly means smarter — no bureaucratic red tape, just exceptional lawyering and real client relationships

Work at the forefront of government contracts law: bid protests, False Claims Act matters, regulatory compliance, procurement integrity, claims and performance disputes — substantive, high-stakes work from day one

Get client-facing experience early and often — this firm believes in putting associates in the room, not behind the scenes

A realistic path to shareholder for those who invest in their own development — this is not a firm where partnership is a moving target

Collaborate across practice groups if you want breadth — the structure here supports it

Competitive compensation plus full coverage of health and dental insurance premiums for you, and 30% of dependent premiums — a genuinely generous benefits package

Eligible for both hours-based non-discretionary bonuses and merit-based bonuses tied to outstanding results, contributions, and business development

A 1,800-hour annual billable target with approved pro bono (up to 100 hours) and DEI work (up to 25 hours) counting toward that goal — a firm that puts its values in writing

Location: This role is based in our Washington, DC or San Francisco office. We operate on a hybrid schedule with a 3-day in-office expectation — a structure that keeps our team connected and collaborative while giving you the flexibility to do your best work.

Note: Candidates must be admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, or California. Government contracts litigation experience is required; this is not a general litigation position.

About Us

We are a litigation boutique with over four decades of experience representing Fortune 500 companies, private corporations, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals throughout California and across the United States. Founded on the belief that smaller is smarter, we've built a firm free from the weight of large-firm bureaucracy — one where attorneys can think more creatively, act more nimbly, and build genuine, lasting relationships with clients. Our collaborative team of staff and attorneys is what keeps this firm not just successful, but a true pleasure to work for. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

Litigate bid protests, claims and performance disputes, and terminations for default or convenience before federal agencies and courts

Advise clients on regulatory compliance, procurement integrity, Organizational Conflicts of Interest, and ethics issues

Handle False Claims Act matters — both defense and counseling — with thoroughness and strategic focus

Draft and review briefs, pleadings, motions, and client correspondence with precision and clarity

Manage multiple complex matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Collaborate with senior attorneys and partners while maintaining meaningful autonomy on assigned work

Engage directly with clients, contributing to relationships that are personal, trust-based, and long-term

Participate in other practice group matters as interests and firm needs align

Qualifications

3+ years of litigation experience, with a focus on government contracts

Admitted to practice in DC, Virginia, Maryland, or California (required)

Experience with bid protests, claims disputes, False Claims Act, and/or compliance counseling strongly preferred

Excellent written and oral communication skills — strong drafting is non-negotiable

Solid academic credentials and sharp analytical thinking

Ability to manage multiple projects independently while contributing to a collaborative team

Self-starter mentality with a consistent attention to detail

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is a firm that genuinely values the people who work here. You'll have a real voice, real client contact, and a real shot at building a career — not just filling a seat. The culture is collaborative without being political, and the work is substantive without being soul-crushing. If you're the kind of attorney who wants to be known for excellent lawyering and trusted client relationships — not just your billable hours — this is the place for you.

JPC-1229

Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance