Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Overview
A distinguished law firm is seeking a Senior Employment Law Attorney with over 10 years of experience in employment litigation and defense. The ideal candidate will have expertise in defending school districts in employment-related matters and will be able to provide strategic legal guidance to clients while handling complex legal issues. This position offers a competitive salary, robust benefits, and the opportunity to grow within the firm.

Location

• Fresno, CA

Duties

• Litigation Defense & Risk Management for School Districts

  • Defend school districts in employment-related lawsuits including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims involving teachers, staff, and administrators.
  • Handle disputes from complaints filed with agencies such as the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
  • Oversee discovery, motion practice, and settlement negotiations, with a focus on public sector employment regulations and education law.

• Strategic Counsel & Legal Guidance for School District Leadership

  • Advise school boards, superintendents, and HR departments on navigating complex employment laws like Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and state-specific education regulations.
  • Develop proactive legal strategies to mitigate risks in labor disputes, employee discipline, hiring practices, and contract negotiations.
  • Provide counsel on union relations, teacher tenure, and collective bargaining agreements to avoid litigation and ensure compliance.

• Policy Development & Compliance for Educational Institutions

  • Review and draft school district employment policies, ensuring alignment with employment and education laws.
  • Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts, ensuring compliance with public education laws, union agreements, and collective bargaining terms.
  • Ensure district practices comply with federal and state regulations affecting public school employment, including Title IX, ADA, and other education statutes.

• Training & Development for School District HR and Administrators

  • Provide tailored legal training to school district leadership, HR personnel, and administrators on compliance and employee relations best practices.
  • Conduct workshops on anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and navigating teacher tenure and union rules to ensure legal and ethical standards are met.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in employment law, with a focus on litigation and defense.
• Experience in defending school districts is required.
• Trial experience preferred, but not mandatory.
• Public entity defense experience is a plus.
• Superior research, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong commitment to proactive case management and ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Skills

• Expertise in employment law, public sector law, and education law.
• Proficient in litigation management and legal strategy development.
• Skilled in drafting policies and contracts while ensuring legal compliance.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with school district leadership and HR departments.
• Experience providing legal training and workshops.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO) for attorneys.
• 90 credit hours offered annually for vacation time.
• Remote work options available (office space provided if needed).
• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance.
• Firm-paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• 401(k) with employer matching after one year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Accelerated partnership track.
• Continuous training and professional development.
• Employee discounts, holiday parties, and team-building events.
• Employee referral program.
• Free snacks and beverages.
• Cell phone reimbursement.
• Military leave.
• Premium office locations with easy access to public transit.
• Casual dress code.

Founded over two decades ago, this California based firm specializes in workers' compensation, employment, immigration, and civil litigation. Continually growing, this firm provides high-quality service with honest communication. The highly experienced attorneys gather information quickly and get favorable results to meet clients' needs promptly. The firm offers training, mentoring, and supervision for its diverse team of attorneys. The firm has excellent opportunities for professional growth. The culture of the firm is very collaborative and based on mutual respect. Working in a supportive and team-oriented work environment showcases the full potential of every employee. Believing in giving back, the firm actively participates in community service.