Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Overview
A law firm is seeking a Senior Employment Law Attorney with extensive experience in defending school districts and managing complex employment law matters. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in employment litigation, with a focus on public sector law, particularly within the education system. This position offers the opportunity to work with a highly regarded team in a fast-paced and dynamic legal environment.

Location

• Oakland, 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 from complaints filed with agencies such as the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
  • Oversee discovery, motion practices, 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 (e.g., Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and state-specific regulations).
  • Develop strategies to mitigate risks in labor disputes, employee discipline, hiring practices, and contract negotiations.
  • 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 employment and education laws.
  • Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts that align with public education laws, union agreements, and collective bargaining terms.
  • Ensure compliance 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 training on legal compliance and best practices in handling employee relations to school district leadership and HR teams.
  • Conduct workshops on anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and navigating teacher tenure and union rules.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in employment law, specifically in 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

• In-depth knowledge of employment law, public sector law, and education law.
• Proficient in litigation management and legal strategy development.
• Strong contract and policy drafting abilities.
• Effective collaboration with school district leadership and HR teams.
• Experience in providing legal training and workshops.

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.