Public Finance Attorney

Public Finance Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Public Finance Associate Attorney to join a leading global law firm in its San Francisco, CA office.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 2–4 years of experience to join a nationally recognized Public Finance practice consistently ranked among the top bond counsel firms in the United States. The practice has more than 35 years of experience advising on a broad range of financing transactions and has maintained a leading position in the California public finance market.

The team represents a diverse client base, including state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, investment banks, bond purchasers, developers, and other market participants. Its work spans the full spectrum of public finance transactions, including:

• Municipal bonds, notes, and other tax-exempt and taxable obligations
• Public infrastructure and capital improvement projects
• Governmental financing programs involving deficit funding, cash flow, pensions, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation
• Nonprofit healthcare, educational, cultural, and affordable housing facilities
• For-profit water, wastewater, energy, waste, and multifamily housing projects
• Indian Tribal financings
• IRS audits and SEC investigations and enforcement actions
• Secondary market repackagings, including tender option bonds
• Securitizations and public-private partnerships
• Bankruptcies and workouts

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant law firm experience
• Strong transactional background; experience with public finance transactions, the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and securities law is preferred but not required
• Highly motivated, with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Outstanding writing, communication, and analytical abilities
• Strong client service skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Membership in a U.S. state bar and ability to satisfy the bar admission requirements of the office's jurisdiction

The firm offers a robust on-the-job training program, making this an excellent opportunity for an attorney interested in developing or deepening a public finance practice.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $235,000–$310,000, depending on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, expertise, and geographic location. Additional compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus based on firm and individual performance.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; mental well-being programs; family and pet care benefits; short- and long-term disability; parental leave; health savings account contributions; flexible spending accounts; a 401(k) program; flexible paid time off; and paid holidays.

The firm values collegiality and professional development, offering mentorship, training programs, retreats, academies, and opportunities to work closely with experienced attorneys and client teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer