Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Overview
A well-established law firm is seeking a Senior Attorney with extensive experience in Employment Law to join their team. This position requires 10+ years of experience in employment litigation, specifically with a background in defending school districts. The Senior Attorney will be responsible for handling employment-related lawsuits, providing legal counsel to school district leadership, and ensuring compliance with both employment and education laws.

Location

• El Segundo, CA

Duties

• Litigation Defense & Risk Management for School Districts:

  • Defend school districts in employment-related lawsuits such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims.
  • Handle disputes involving agencies like the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
  • Oversee discovery processes, 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 complex employment laws like 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.

• Policy Development & Compliance for Educational Institutions:

  • Review and draft school district employment policies to ensure compliance with both employment and education laws.
  • Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts in compliance with public education laws and union agreements.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations affecting public school employment.

• Training & Development for School District HR and Administrators:

  • Provide tailored training on legal compliance and best practices for school district HR and administrators.
  • Conduct workshops on issues like 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 in school district defense is required.
• Trial experience preferred but not required.
• Public entity defense experience is a plus.
• Strong research, analytical, and negotiating skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Ability to manage cases proactively and effectively.

Education

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

Certifications

• Member in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of employment law, public sector law, and education law.
• Expertise in managing litigation and legal risk.
• Ability to draft policies and contracts related to public school employment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with school district leadership and HR departments.
• Ability to conduct training and workshops on legal compliance and risk management.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO) for attorneys.
• 90 Credit Hours for vacation time annually for eligible attorneys.
• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance.
• Firm-paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching after 1 year.
• Flexible spending account (FSA).
• Accelerated partnership track.
• Continuous 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.

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.