Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Overview
A reputable law firm is seeking a Senior Employment Law Attorney with over 10 years of experience to join its growing Employment Law Department. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in employment litigation and defense, with a focus on defending school districts in employment-related matters. This role offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

Location

• Sacramento, CA

Duties

• Litigation Defense & Risk Management for School Districts

  • Defend school districts in employment-related lawsuits, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims involving teachers, staff, and administrators.
  • Handle disputes arising from complaints filed with agencies like the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
  • Oversee discovery, motion practice, and settlement negotiations, focusing on public sector employment regulations and education law.

• Strategic Counsel & Legal Guidance for School District Leadership

  • Advise school boards, superintendents, and HR departments on navigating complex employment laws, including Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and state-specific education regulations.
  • Develop proactive legal strategies to mitigate risks in labor disputes, employee discipline, hiring practices, and contract negotiations.
  • Counsel on union relations, teacher tenure, and collective bargaining agreements to prevent litigation and ensure compliance.

• Policy Development & Compliance for Educational Institutions

  • Review and draft school district employment policies, ensuring alignment with both employment and education laws.
  • Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts, ensuring compliance with public education laws, union agreements, and collective bargaining terms.
  • Ensure district practices comply with federal and state regulations affecting public school employment, including Title IX, ADA, and other education-specific statutes.

• Training & Development for School District HR and Administrators

  • Provide tailored legal training to school district leadership, HR personnel, and administrators on compliance and best practices in employee relations.
  • Conduct workshops on anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and navigating teacher tenure and union rules to ensure legal and ethical standards are met.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in employment law, with a strong focus on litigation and defense.
• Experience defending school districts is required.
• Trial experience is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Public entity defense experience is a plus.
• Strong research, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to proactive case management and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Education

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

Certifications

• Active member of the State Bar of California in good standing.

Skills

• Expertise in employment law, public sector law, and education law.
• Proficiency in litigation management and legal strategy development.
• Strong contract and policy drafting skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with school district leadership and HR departments.
• Experience providing legal training and conducting workshops.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO) for attorneys.
• 90 credit hours for vacation time annually.
• Remote work options available (office space provided if needed).
• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance.
• Firm-paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• 401(k) with employer matching after one year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Accelerated partnership track.
• Continuous professional development and training.
• 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.
• Casual dress code.