Senior Labor, Employment, Workplace, Safety Associate

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm is seeking an experienced associate to join its Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety (LEWS) practice in the Portland office. The ideal candidate will have 6+ years of litigation experience covering a broad range of employment issues, including wage & hour disputes and single plaintiff discrimination/harassment matters. The position also involves drafting and reviewing employment-related policies and documents such as offer letters, employment agreements, and separation agreements, along with advising on labor and employment aspects of business transactions like mergers and acquisitions.

Location:
Portland, OR

Duties:

• Handle litigation on a wide variety of employment law issues, including wage & hour and discrimination/harassment matters.
• Draft and review employment policies and employment-related documents (offer letters, agreements, separation agreements).
• Advise on the labor and employment aspects of business transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions.
• Provide counsel on workplace safety and related legal matters.
• Work with partners on complex labor and employment-related issues and provide client service at the highest standards.
• Collaborate closely with experienced attorneys, receiving mentoring and assuming increasing levels of responsibility and client contact.

Requirements:

• At least 6 years of experience in labor and employment law, with a focus on litigation.
• Experience with wage & hour matters and single plaintiff discrimination/harassment claims.
• Experience drafting and reviewing employment-related agreements and policies.
• Familiarity with labor relations is a plus but not required.
• Strong academic background and excellent communication skills.
• Must be licensed to practice law in Oregon, or eligible for licensure in Oregon. Licenses in Washington and California (including PAGA experience) are a plus.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admitted to practice in Oregon, or eligible to be admitted within the first year of employment.

Skills:

• Strong litigation and counseling experience in labor, employment, and workplace safety law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex cases independently and work well within a team.
• High level of client service and the ability to build strong client relationships.
• Ability to draft clear, effective legal documents.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan and other financial benefits.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid holidays (12 annually).
• Parental leave (up to 24 weeks, with 12 weeks paid).
• Short-term and long-term disability protection.
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP) and wellness program.
• Pro bono opportunities and professional development resources.
• Hybrid/remote work options and flexible scheduling.
• Commuting benefits and relocation assistance (if applicable).
• Family-building benefits and caregiving concierge services.

A serious Big Law heavyweight with an especially solid reputation in the Pacific Northwest and the Mid-Atlantic regions, this firm excels in multiple arenas, from billion-dollar transactions to high-stakes litigation, and everything in between. These days, the firm is prioritizing international expansion, with offices opening across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia, in a move that is sure to bring more cross-border work and multinational clients. Known for its friendly culture, working at this firm means collaborating with brilliant minds and extraordinary individuals.