Labor & Employment Counsel

A law firm seeks a highly experienced Labor & Employment Counsel to join its team in Los Angeles, CA. This full-time position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of labor and employment matters, including single-plaintiff litigation, class actions, and employment counseling. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on defense in employment litigation and the ability to manage cases from start to finish independently.

Duties

• Defend clients against single-plaintiff litigation matters such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, and reasonable accommodation cases
• Handle PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) matters and class action lawsuits
• Manage cases independently from inception through resolution, including drafting and responding to pleadings and discovery
• Draft and argue motions, including dispositive and discovery motions
• Take and defend depositions, including plaintiffs' depositions and corporate witness depositions
• Provide employment counseling on both federal and state employment laws and regulations
• Conduct legal research and stay up to date with changes in labor and employment law
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and implement strategies for case resolution
• Maintain a professional and consultative relationship with clients throughout litigation
• Manage a smaller portable book of business (ideal but not required)

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active California State Bar membership, in good standing
• 8-12 years of experience in labor and employment law, specifically in defending against employment-related lawsuits and advising on employment matters
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft complex legal documents and advocate effectively in court
• Experience with PAGA claims, class actions, and individual employment lawsuits
• Proven ability to manage and independently handle cases from start to finish
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to navigate complex legal issues
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently when needed

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications

• Active California State Bar membership

Skills

• Expertise in employment law, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and reasonable accommodation claims
• Proficient in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
• Strong writing and drafting skills, including the preparation of motions, briefs, and discovery responses
• Proven litigation skills, including deposition taking and defending, and trial preparation
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment
• Client service-oriented with the ability to manage client relationships effectively

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Associates at this prestigious firm applaud that they are given high-level work paired with ample resources; the result, they say, is that they receive interesting projects and valuable collaborations with senior associates and partners. They also praise its flexible face-time policies paired with market pay.