San Diego is home to a diverse range of major employers that drive the city’s vibrant economy. From leading biotechnology firms and defense contractors to large healthcare systems and financial institutions, these organizations play a critical role in shaping the region’s job market. San Diego’s status as a hub for innovation, particularly in life sciences and technology, attracts top talent and fosters a dynamic business environment.
The presence of major military installations and government agencies also adds to the demand for legal, technical, and administrative expertise. The city’s unique combination of industries, along with its commitment to sustainability and quality of life, makes San Diego an attractive destination for professionals across various sectors.
Biggest Law Firms in San Diego
- Latham & Watkins LLP: Founded in 1934, Latham & Watkins LLP is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious law firms, with over 3,000 attorneys across 30 offices globally. The firm’s San Diego office plays a key role in its global operations, particularly in the areas of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and environmental law. Latham & Watkins is an AM Law 100 firm and is frequently involved in high-profile transactions and litigation. The firm’s expertise in complex legal matters, coupled with its commitment to pro bono work, makes it a significant player in San Diego’s legal market.
- Cooley LLP: Cooley LLP, founded in 1920, is a leading law firm with over 1,300 attorneys across 17 offices worldwide. The firm’s San Diego office is a hub for its work in technology, life sciences, and venture capital. Cooley is known for representing innovative companies and has played a pivotal role in numerous IPOs and mergers. The firm’s deep connections to the tech and biotech sectors make it a key player in San Diego’s legal landscape. Cooley’s commitment to client success and its cutting-edge legal strategies have earned it a reputation as a top-tier firm in the region.
- Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP: Founded in 1946, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP is one of San Diego’s largest and most respected law firms. With over 180 attorneys, the firm offers a full range of legal services, including corporate law, intellectual property, and real estate. Procopio has a strong focus on serving the needs of local businesses and is deeply integrated into the San Diego community. The firm’s expertise in cross-border transactions and its commitment to sustainability and diversity make it a standout in the region.
- Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP: Established in 1927, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is a global law firm with more than 900 attorneys across 15 offices. The firm’s San Diego office is known for its strengths in labor and employment law, corporate transactions, and litigation. Sheppard Mullin has a diverse client base, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, and government entities. The firm’s reputation for delivering high-quality legal services and its strong presence in the Southern California market make it a leading choice for clients in San Diego.
- DLA Piper LLP: DLA Piper LLP is one of the largest law firms in the world, with over 4,000 attorneys in more than 40 countries. The firm’s San Diego office is a key part of its global network, particularly in the areas of intellectual property, life sciences, and corporate law. DLA Piper is an AM Law 100 firm and has been involved in some of the most significant legal matters in the region, including high-stakes litigation and cross-border transactions. The firm’s global reach and deep industry expertise make it a dominant force in San Diego’s legal market.
- Fish & Richardson P.C.: Fish & Richardson P.C., founded in 1878, is a premier intellectual property law firm with a strong presence in San Diego. The firm is recognized for its expertise in patent litigation, particularly in the technology and life sciences sectors. With over 400 attorneys across 14 offices, Fish & Richardson is a go-to firm for clients seeking to protect their intellectual property rights. The firm’s deep bench of experienced litigators and its success in high-profile IP cases have solidified its reputation as a leading firm in the region.
- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati: Founded in 1961, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is a leading law firm with a focus on technology, life sciences, and venture capital. The firm’s San Diego office is integral to its work with innovative companies, providing legal services in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, and mergers and acquisitions. Wilson Sonsini has represented some of the most iconic companies in the tech industry and continues to be at the forefront of legal developments in Silicon Valley and beyond. The firm’s expertise and industry connections make it a key player.
- Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C.: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C., commonly known as Mintz, was founded in 1933 and has grown to over 500 attorneys across eight offices. The firm’s San Diego office is known for its strengths in life sciences, healthcare, and intellectual property law. Mintz has a strong focus on serving the needs of biotech companies, providing legal services that support innovation and growth in this critical sector. The firm’s commitment to client success and its deep industry expertise make it a prominent player in the San Diego legal market.
- Morrison & Foerster LLP: Morrison & Foerster LLP, often referred to as MoFo, was founded in 1883 and is one of the world’s leading law firms, with over 1,000 attorneys across 17 offices. The firm’s San Diego office is a hub for its work in technology, life sciences, and intellectual property. MoFo is an AM Law 100 firm and is known for its innovative approach to complex legal challenges. The firm has been involved in numerous high-profile cases and transactions, making it a key player in the San Diego legal market. MoFo’s commitment to pro bono work and diversity further enhances its reputation as a top-tier law firm.
- Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, with roots dating back to 1868, is a leading international law firm with over 700 attorneys across 20 offices. The firm’s San Diego office is known for its strengths in energy, real estate, and corporate law. Pillsbury has a long history of representing clients in complex legal matters, including cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance. The firm’s deep industry expertise and commitment to client success make it a prominent player in San Diego’s legal landscape. Pillsbury’s global reach and local presence provide clients with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of today’s legal environment.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with one of San Diego’s largest employers often requires specialized skills and experience, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances of placement. San Diego is home to a diverse range of companies that maintain substantial in-house legal teams, spanning industries such as biotechnology, defense, telecommunications, and healthcare.
- Qualcomm Incorporated: Founded in 1985, Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and semiconductor innovation. Headquartered in San Diego, the company employs over 41,000 people worldwide, with a significant legal department that handles matters related to intellectual property, antitrust law, corporate governance, and international trade. Qualcomm’s legal team plays a critical role in defending the company’s extensive patent portfolio, particularly in high-profile cases involving global telecommunications standards and licensing agreements. The company’s continuous growth in 5G technology and mobile communications ensures a constant demand for top-tier legal talent.
- Illumina, Inc.: Illumina, established in 1998, is a leading biotechnology company specializing in genetic sequencing and genomics. With its headquarters in San Diego, Illumina employs over 8,000 people and has a robust legal team focused on intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and healthcare law. The company’s legal department is integral to protecting its groundbreaking innovations in DNA sequencing, navigating complex regulatory environments, and managing international business operations. Illumina’s role in advancing personalized medicine and genomics research positions its legal team at the forefront of biotech legal challenges.
- Sempra Energy: Founded in 1998, Sempra Energy is a Fortune 500 energy infrastructure company headquartered in San Diego. Sempra employs approximately 20,000 people and its legal department handles a wide range of issues, including energy regulation, environmental law, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. Sempra’s legal team is particularly involved in navigating the complexities of energy regulation and compliance, both in the U.S. and internationally. The company’s focus on sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure development makes it a significant employer of legal professionals in the region.
- General Atomics: General Atomics, founded in 1955, is a leading defense contractor and technology company based in San Diego. The company is known for its innovations in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and nuclear technologies. General Atomics employs over 15,000 people, including a sizable legal team that handles matters related to government contracts, intellectual property, international trade, and defense law. The company’s legal department is crucial in managing complex defense contracts and ensuring compliance with stringent federal regulations. General Atomics’ role in the defense industry makes it a key employer for legal professionals with expertise in defense and aerospace law.
- ResMed: ResMed, founded in 1989, is a global leader in medical devices for sleep apnea and respiratory care. Headquartered in San Diego, ResMed employs more than 8,000 people worldwide, with a strong legal team focused on healthcare law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. The legal department at ResMed plays a vital role in protecting the company’s innovations, navigating healthcare regulations, and managing international operations. ResMed’s commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative medical technology makes its legal team an essential part of its global strategy.
- UC San Diego Health: UC San Diego Health, part of the University of California system, is a leading academic medical center in San Diego. Employing over 10,000 people, including a dedicated legal team, UC San Diego Health is involved in a wide range of legal matters, from healthcare compliance and medical malpractice to research ethics and intellectual property. The legal department works closely with researchers and clinicians to ensure that medical innovations are protected and that the institution remains compliant with state and federal healthcare regulations. UC San Diego Health’s focus on cutting-edge research and patient care makes it a significant employer of legal professionals in the healthcare sector.
- ViaSat Inc.: Founded in 1986, ViaSat is a global communications company specializing in satellite technology and broadband services. Headquartered in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego, ViaSat employs over 5,600 people, including a robust legal team that handles telecommunications law, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and intellectual property. ViaSat’s legal department is instrumental in managing the company’s global operations, particularly in areas involving satellite communications and defense contracts. The company’s ongoing expansion in broadband and cybersecurity ensures a steady demand for legal expertise.
- Petco: Petco, founded in 1965 and headquartered in San Diego, is a leading pet specialty retailer with over 1,500 locations across the United States. The company employs more than 27,000 people, including a legal team that focuses on corporate law, intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Petco’s legal department plays a key role in managing the company’s expansive retail operations, protecting its brand, and ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws. As Petco continues to grow and innovate in pet care, its legal team remains integral to its success.
- Jack in the Box Inc.: Founded in 1951, Jack in the Box is a well-known fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in San Diego. The company employs approximately 22,000 people and has a legal team that handles issues related to franchising, corporate governance, labor and employment law, and regulatory compliance. Jack in the Box’s legal department is crucial in managing its franchise operations, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and navigating complex employment laws. The company’s long-standing presence in the fast-food industry and its commitment to innovation make it a notable employer of legal professionals in the region.
- Cubic Corporation: Cubic Corporation, founded in 1951, is a leading provider of defense and transportation systems headquartered in San Diego. The company employs over 6,000 people and maintains a legal team that specializes in government contracts, intellectual property, and international trade law. Cubic’s legal department is vital in managing its contracts with defense and transportation agencies, protecting its technological innovations, and ensuring compliance with global trade regulations. The company’s role in defense and public transportation systems makes it a significant employer of legal talent in San Diego.
