Employment Litigation Associate / Counsel

A law firm seeks an experienced Employment Litigation Associate or Counsel to join its team in California. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 7 years of experience in employment litigation, particularly in defending employers against claims related to discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and class actions. A strong interest or prior experience in employment counseling and transactional work is preferred. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic, client-focused environment.

Duties:

• Represent clients in employment litigation matters, including wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims.
• Defend employers in single-plaintiff lawsuits, as well as class and representative actions (PAGA).
• Draft and respond to motions, oppositions, and other legal filings related to employment disputes.
• Handle discovery processes, including drafting and responding to discovery requests.
• Conduct depositions and argue motions in court when necessary.
• Provide legal counsel to employers on employment law matters, including risk mitigation, compliance, and best practices.
• Offer advice on employment agreements, employee handbooks, policies, and other workplace matters.
• Manage multiple litigation cases while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and client service.
• Collaborate with colleagues and clients to devise and execute legal strategies.
• Attend client meetings, hearings, and trials as needed.

Requirements:

• 3 to 7 years of experience in employment litigation, with a focus on defending employers.
• Experience in or a strong interest in employment counseling and transactional work.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and California employment law.
• Admission to the California State Bar and federal district courts.
• Proven experience in handling employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour matters, and class/PAGA actions.
• Experience drafting and responding to motions and discovery.
• Strong deposing and motion-arguing skills are preferred.
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical abilities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate legal arguments and advice.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload while balancing multiple priorities in a client-driven practice.
• Must be available to work on-site Tuesday through Thursday.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Admitted to practice in California and eligible for federal district court appearances.

Skills:

• Expertise in employment litigation, including discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour cases.
• Experience with class actions and representative actions (PAGA).
• Proficiency in drafting motions, oppositions, and discovery documents.
• Strong deposition skills and experience arguing motions in court.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and organizational ability.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Professional development opportunities and mentoring programs.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment with a focus on work-life balance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Employment Litigation Associate or Counsel to advance their career while contributing to a growing practice that values client relationships and professional development. The firm provides a supportive environment where associates can thrive and continue their growth in both litigation and counseling.

Although this Los Angeles-based firm boasts a fairly solid full-service practice, its high-profile entertainment department has brought the firm celebrity status and established it as one of the nations premier entertainment law firms. The firm has an entrepreneurial and aggressive feel to it, yet candidates often remark how wonderfully balanced its attorneys lives appear to be. While associates work hard, people are friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy spending time together outside of work. The pay is decent though slightly lower than the top firms (reputedly a trade-off for lower billable hour requirements); nevertheless, the firm consistently manages to attract some of the best talent in the United States.