Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Overview
A prestigious law firm is seeking a Senior Employment Law Attorney with 10+ years of experience specializing in employment litigation, particularly defending school districts. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in employment law, with an emphasis on public sector defense and education law. This role offers the opportunity to work with high-profile clients in a dynamic legal environment, providing both legal counsel and strategic guidance.

Location

• Orange, CA

Duties

• Litigation Defense & Risk Management for School Districts

  • Defend school districts in employment-related lawsuits, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims.
  • Manage disputes arising from complaints filed with agencies such as the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
  • Oversee discovery processes, motion practices, and settlement negotiations, focusing on public sector employment regulations and education law.

• Strategic Counsel & Legal Guidance for School District Leadership

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

• Policy Development & Compliance for Educational Institutions

  • Review and draft school district employment policies, ensuring compliance with both employment and education laws.
  • Advise on the drafting of teacher and staff contracts, ensuring alignment 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 relevant statutes.

• Training & Development for School District HR and Administrators

  • Provide training on legal compliance and best practices in handling employee relations to school district leadership and HR teams.
  • Conduct workshops on issues such as anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and navigating teacher tenure and union rules.

Requirements

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

Education

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

Certifications

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

Skills

• Deep knowledge of employment law, public sector law, and education law.
• Proficiency in litigation management and developing legal strategies.
• Ability to draft contracts and policies effectively.
• Strong experience providing legal guidance and counsel to clients.
• Experience in providing training and workshops on legal compliance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO) for attorneys.
• 90 credit hours annually for vacation.
• Remote work options (office space available if needed).
• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance.
• Firm-paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• 401(k) with employer matching after one year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Accelerated partnership track.
• Continuous professional training and learning opportunities.
• 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.