Senior Defense Trial Attorney

Job Overview:
A law firm is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Defense Trial Attorney to join its Employment practice group. This position is ideal for an attorney with 10+ years of experience in employment law, particularly in defending wage and hour class actions, PAGA actions, and wrongful discharge cases. The role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and supportive environment with a focus on professional development, mentorship, and a balanced work-life structure. Competitive salary and bonus opportunities based on experience.

Location:

• Irvine, California

Duties:

• Represent employers in litigation involving wage and hour class actions, PAGA actions, discrimination claims, and wrongful discharge cases.
• Manage cases from inception to resolution, including pre-litigation strategy, discovery, motions, and trial.
• Appear in state and federal courts, arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution forums.
• Draft and review employment contracts, handbooks, and personnel policies.
• Advise clients on compliance with wage and hour regulations, OSHA requirements, and employee leave policies.
• Provide strategic advice on labor issues related to layoffs, mergers, acquisitions, and business closures.
• Manage legal teams, mentoring junior staff, and providing guidance for professional growth.

Requirements:

• Admitted to the State Bar of California and resides in California.
• 10+ years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in labor and employment law and/or class action work.
• First-chair trial experience, with a minimum of 3-5 matters to verdict or near verdict.
• Strong litigation background in handling wage and hour disputes, discrimination cases, and class actions.
• Ability to make in-person appearances in court when needed.
• Proven experience managing legal teams and mentoring junior attorneys.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admitted to the California State Bar.

Skills:

• Expertise in employment law, including wage and hour class actions, PAGA actions, and discrimination claims.
• Strong litigation, trial, and case management skills.
• Ability to manage and mentor a legal team.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid work environment.

Benefits:

• Flexibility with remote and hybrid positions.
• Mentorship programs with experienced attorneys.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Professional development, including educational and MCLE programs.
• Firm social events, including lunches and gatherings.
• Flexible vacation policy, paid sick time, and parental leave.
• Paid life and disability insurance.
• Variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) plan.

This full-service law firm consistently strives to provide high-quality, value-conscious legal representation to a wide range of clients. The highly experienced attorneys advise and counsel in complex business and litigation matters, handling litigation in state and federal courts, and briefing and arguing appeals in courts, including the California Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. With offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, this firm has handled and tried matters in several states and internationally, including serving as national trial counsel. The lawyers and staff are committed to providing clients with highly professional and efficient service and personalized attention, making the litigation and involvement in transactional matters as smooth as possible. The firm believes that hiring diverse talent is the only way to create an exceptional team best suited for clients' needs. The firm creates a work environment that brings out the best from employees. It is a family-friendly firm with competitive compensation, several health insurance options, bonuses, a voluntary 401(k) plan, mentorship and training, issue-focused seminars, and other formal training programs to promote learning and professional growth.