Labor & Employment Associate

Job Overview:

A law firm is seeking an experienced Labor & Employment Associate to join its Minneapolis office. This associate will work closely with partners on various employment litigation matters, including wage and hour collective actions, class actions, single-plaintiff cases, and complex advice matters. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in employment litigation and be ready to take on more responsibility in managing cases with minimal supervision.

Location:

• Minneapolis, MN

Duties:

• Manage single-plaintiff cases and play a substantial role in handling complex employment litigation.
• Collaborate with partners on case strategy, including tactical planning for litigation.
• Write and prepare substantial legal briefs and other court documents.
• Interview witnesses and prepare fact presentations for litigated matters.
• Draft discovery requests and responses to discovery.
• Take and defend depositions in employment-related cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on employment law issues.
• Provide advice and counsel on complex employment law issues, increasingly based on experience.
• Participate in trial work as required.

Requirements:

• 4-6 years of employment litigation and counseling experience in a law firm setting.
• Admission to the Minnesota Bar or the ability to gain admission.
• Strong team-oriented approach to practicing law.
• A commitment to diversity and personal practice development.
• Excellent analytical, verbal communication, and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle cases with minimal supervision.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admission to the Minnesota State Bar, or eligibility to become admitted.

Skills:

• Extensive experience in employment litigation, including wage and hour, class actions, and individual plaintiff cases.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in taking and defending depositions, drafting discovery, and trial preparation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work closely with clients and partners.
• Ability to manage a complex case load in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:

• Option for a lower billable-hours track with a proportional reduction in salary.
• Eligibility for a performance-based bonus program.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Life insurance and both short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays.
• Up to 15 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for attorneys who give birth.
• Paid adoption assistance and pre-tax reimbursement accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and transportation.
• Backup child and elder care programs, educational advising, and virtual tutoring.
• Well-being programs, mass transit programs (where applicable), and travel assistance.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling.
• Relocation expenses, bar review expenses, and salary advance available for eligible candidates.

This is an international law firm with offices all over the US as well as Latin America, Asia and Europe. This firm has made a name for itself in representing technology companies, and has particular expertise in intellectual property matters. It hires the best and brightest from top national and regional law schools, and requires a superior academic record. It clients range from emerging growth companies to Fortune 500 companies, from individuals to government and public entities, and from commercial enterprises to non-profit institutions. The firm maintains a collegial atmosphere, and everyone at the firm seems to get along with one another. Compensation is at the top level for the Twin Cities, and the billable requirement is reasonable. This firm is a great fit for someone interested in a firm that has an international reputation as being one of the premier law firms for lawyers interested in a technology practice, including finance, mergers & acquisitions, litigation and trial, and intellectual property matters.