Labor and Employment Senior Attorney or Of Counsel

A law firm in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking an experienced Labor and Employment Senior Attorney or Of Counsel to provide high-level legal counsel and representation to sophisticated employers on a wide range of employment and human resources matters. This position requires deep knowledge of employment law, excellent analytical skills, and strong client service capabilities, as well as California Bar admission. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advising and Counseling:

  • Provide legal counsel to employers on a variety of employment and human resources issues, ensuring compliance with state and federal labor laws.
  • Advise clients on employment policies, employee handbooks, disciplinary actions, and terminations.

• Drafting Employment Agreements:

  • Draft and review employment-related agreements, including non-compete agreements, severance agreements, and other employment contracts.

• Conducting Audits and Investigations:

  • Lead employment audits to ensure compliance with labor laws and conduct internal investigations related to workplace misconduct, discrimination, or other employment-related claims.

• Legal Research and Memoranda:

  • Perform legal research on complex employment law matters and prepare well-reasoned research memoranda for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Class Actions & Litigation:

  • Handle wage and hour class actions, overseeing all stages of litigation from pre-suit investigation through to resolution via mediation or trial.
  • Manage single-plaintiff litigation, including strategy development, discovery, motions practice, and client communications.

Job Requirements:

• Experience:

  • 10-15 years of employment litigation and/or counseling experience in a law firm or in-house counsel role.
  • Proven ability to manage complex litigation matters, particularly wage and hour class actions, and single-plaintiff cases.

• Bar Admission:

  • Active admission to the California Bar is required.

• Skills:

  • Strong client service orientation with the ability to work closely with sophisticated employers.
  • Excellent analytical and legal research skills.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, especially in drafting clear and persuasive legal documents.
  • Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain client confidentiality.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Active California Bar license.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
• Strong negotiation and client management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-demand legal environment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, and behavioral health.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Life insurance (basic and optional).
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible time off and paid holidays.
• Up to 15 weeks of paid parental leave with up to 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for childbirth.
• Adoption assistance and back-up child and elder care programs.
• Pre-tax reimbursement accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and transportation.
• Employee assistance program with five confidential counseling sessions.
• Education and college advising program, virtual tutoring, wellbeing programs, and mass transit programs where applicable.
• Discretionary and productivity bonuses, relocation expenses, and bar review expenses where applicable.

Serving clients throughout the world in nearly all industries, this firm has been recognized for the top quality service. It also believes in commitment to pro bono and other community services and the quality and inclusiveness of the workplace. This firm was founded over a century ago and now has offices throughout the United States and Canada, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.