Labor and Employment Associate Attorney

A law firm located in Long Beach, California, is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney with 1 to 3 years of post-law school experience to become a key contributor to its expanding workplace law practice. This position focuses on representing employers and management teams in a variety of matters involving workforce policies, employee relations, regulatory compliance, and litigation defense.

The firm is also open to considering litigation attorneys from other practice areas who possess a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and advocacy—and who are motivated to shift their focus to employment law through hands-on training and mentoring.

Primary Responsibilities

• Advises company leadership, HR teams, and managers on workplace-related legal matters, offering practical strategies to reduce legal exposure.
• Assists in crafting, reviewing, and revising employment contracts, internal policies, and handbooks to align with evolving legal standards.
• Drafts legal correspondence, responses to administrative charges, pleadings, and other documents for both advisory and litigation matters.
• Supports clients in handling sensitive employee relations matters, including terminations, internal investigations, leaves of absence, and wage-and-hour issues.
• Represents employers before governmental agencies in response to claims involving harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
• Conducts comprehensive legal research to interpret new and existing laws affecting private sector workplaces, particularly under California employment regulations.
• Develops defense strategies for litigation, prepares discovery, and assists in representing clients during mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
• Stays informed about changes to labor and employment regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring clients remain compliant.
• Works closely with experienced attorneys to deliver comprehensive legal services while gradually assuming greater responsibility and direct client contact.
• Contributes to client education efforts by developing training sessions, presentations, and written materials on employment law developments and best practices.

Required Qualifications & Credentials

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active California Bar license in good standing.
• 1 to 3 years of legal practice experience, preferably with exposure to employment law issues or litigation.
• Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, business-focused guidance.
• Prior experience representing employers or corporate clients is preferred but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, balancing advisory and litigation responsibilities.
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal, with comfort presenting to clients and leadership teams.
• An interest in building a long-term career in advising businesses on employment laws and defending employers in disputes.
• Candidates with backgrounds in general litigation (civil, commercial, or business) who possess transferable skills and a strong desire to specialize in employment law are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Knowledge & Competencies

• Familiarity with California’s unique labor and employment laws, including wage and hour statutes, leave laws, and anti-discrimination provisions.
• Proficiency in conducting legal research using tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or similar platforms.
• Ability to draft clear and persuasive legal documents, including position statements, settlement agreements, and court filings.
• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to both collaborative projects and independent case management.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple matters.
• Client service orientation, with a focus on responsiveness and proactive problem-solving.

Compensation & Benefits

• Participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance premiums.
• Coverage for disability insurance.
• Competitive salary reflective of experience and practice focus.