Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County, is a thriving hub for businesses and legal professionals alike. With a strong economy driven by industries such as technology, retail, healthcare, and real estate, the city is home to some of the region’s most prominent employers of attorneys. Companies ranging from multinational corporations to innovative startups rely on legal expertise to navigate California’s complex regulatory landscape and dynamic business environment.
Biggest Law Firms in Baton Rouge
Law firms with offices in Costa Mesa frequently collaborate with these employers, creating a rich array of opportunities for legal professionals. For attorneys seeking to build or advance their careers, Costa Mesa offers a compelling mix of high-quality roles, competitive compensation, and a desirable lifestyle in Southern California.
- Snell & Wilmer LLP: Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service law firm with over 450 attorneys across the western United States. Its Costa Mesa office, established in 1989, is the firm’s second-largest and serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, in areas such as commercial litigation, corporate law, and healthcare. The firm is highly regarded for its deep expertise and client-focused approach.
- Rutan & Tucker LLP: Founded in 1955, Rutan & Tucker is one of California’s largest full-service law firms, with over 150 attorneys. Based in Costa Mesa, the firm is known for its strength in real estate, business law, and government and regulatory matters. Notable for its representation of major developers and public agencies, Rutan & Tucker has played a pivotal role in shaping Orange County’s legal landscape.
- Latham & Watkins LLP: An AM Law 50 firm with a global footprint, Latham & Watkins was founded in 1934 and has over 3,000 attorneys worldwide. Its Costa Mesa office is a hub for corporate, environmental, and intellectual property law, serving industries like life sciences and technology. The firm is consistently ranked among the top in the nation for its innovative legal strategies and high-profile casework.
- Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP: Established in 1979, Lewis Brisbois is a national law firm with over 1,600 attorneys and 55 offices. Its Costa Mesa office is a key location, offering services in areas such as insurance law, business litigation, and employment law. Known for its depth of resources and commitment to client service, Lewis Brisbois frequently handles complex, high-stakes cases across various industries.
- Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP: Founded in 1927, Sheppard Mullin is an AM Law 100 firm with over 1,000 attorneys across the globe. Its Costa Mesa office is integral to the firm’s work in corporate transactions, real estate, and labor and employment law. Sheppard Mullin is known for its collaborative approach and has represented numerous tech and healthcare companies in groundbreaking legal matters.
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP: A top-tier AM Law 100 firm founded in 1872, Gibson Dunn employs more than 1,400 attorneys across 20 global offices. Its Costa Mesa office is a leader in litigation, corporate law, and real estate. Known for its exceptional appellate practice, Gibson Dunn has argued high-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, cementing its reputation as a legal powerhouse.
- Buchalter: Founded in 1933, Buchalter is a full-service business law firm with over 300 attorneys across the West Coast. Its Costa Mesa office provides expertise in banking and finance, labor and employment, and real estate law. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Buchalter serves both emerging companies and established businesses, making it a trusted advisor for Orange County’s dynamic market.
- Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth PC: Founded in 1975 and headquartered near Costa Mesa, Stradling is a boutique law firm with over 100 attorneys specializing in corporate law, securities, and intellectual property. The firm is highly regarded for its work with venture capital firms and emerging growth companies, as well as its innovative approach to mergers and acquisitions in technology and healthcare industries.
- O’Melveny & Myers LLP: With roots dating back to 1885, O’Melveny & Myers is a global AM Law 100 firm with over 700 attorneys. Its office near Costa Mesa plays a significant role in the firm’s litigation and corporate practices. Known for its work in entertainment, labor law, and intellectual property, O’Melveny has a history of representing high-profile clients in complex legal matters.
- Knobbe Martens: Founded in 1962 and headquartered near Costa Mesa, Knobbe Martens is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., with over 275 attorneys. The firm specializes in patent prosecution, trademark law, and IP litigation. Known for its innovative work with technology and life sciences companies, Knobbe Martens has been a key player in shaping IP law in Orange County.
Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa’s legal market is driven by its thriving finance, real estate, and retail sectors. Lawyers in Costa Mesa often specialize in corporate law, real estate transactions, and business litigation, serving the city’s diverse business community and high-profile clients. The city’s proximity to major commercial hubs and its strong local economy provide ample opportunities for legal professionals to work on complex deals, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property matters, making Costa Mesa a vibrant location for legal practice.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a role with Costa Mesa’s top employers often requires navigating a competitive legal market, which is where partnering with a legal recruiter can give you an edge. As a hub for innovation and business in Orange County, Costa Mesa is home to prominent companies that rely on experienced attorneys for regulatory compliance, litigation, intellectual property management, and corporate transactions. Below are some of the most notable companies employing lawyers in Costa Mesa.
- Experian: Founded in 1996, Experian is a global leader in consumer credit reporting and data analytics, with its North American headquarters in Costa Mesa. The company employs legal professionals to handle compliance, privacy law, and intellectual property matters, ensuring the integrity of its cutting-edge financial products and services. Experian’s legal team plays a critical role in managing complex global regulations and data security issues.
- Pacific Mercantile Bank (a division of Banc of California): Pacific Mercantile Bank, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, specializes in commercial banking services. Legal professionals at the bank work on matters such as corporate governance, compliance, and financial transactions. The legal team is critical in supporting the bank’s growth while adhering to stringent financial regulations.
- South Coast Plaza: South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping center on the West Coast, has its legal operations based in Costa Mesa. Founded in 1967, the center generates significant legal work related to commercial leases, contracts, and intellectual property for its 250+ luxury retailers and restaurants. Attorneys supporting South Coast Plaza navigate high-value negotiations and disputes in the retail industry.
- Emulex (now part of Broadcom Inc.): Founded in 1979, Emulex, now part of Broadcom, was once headquartered in Costa Mesa and remains an important contributor to the local tech industry. Legal professionals address intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance issues tied to the company’s innovations in semiconductor and networking technology.
- Vizio: Established in 2002, Vizio is a leading television and entertainment technology company headquartered in Irvine, near Costa Mesa. Attorneys at Vizio focus on intellectual property, licensing agreements, and product liability, ensuring the company’s innovative technologies meet legal and regulatory standards.
- OC Fair & Event Center: The OC Fair & Event Center, based in Costa Mesa, is a public agency managing one of California’s largest annual fairs and year-round events. Legal professionals here specialize in public agency law, contracts, and regulatory compliance, ensuring smooth operations for its wide-ranging activities.
- First American Title Insurance Company: A major player in the title insurance industry, First American has significant operations in Costa Mesa. Established in 1889, the company employs attorneys to manage regulatory compliance, real estate law, and large-scale litigation, supporting its position as a market leader in title and settlement services.
- El Pollo Loco: Headquartered in Costa Mesa, this popular fast-food chain, founded in 1980, requires legal professionals to oversee franchise law, contracts, and compliance. The legal team supports the company’s growth while managing intellectual property and labor law matters across its national network of restaurants.
