Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Overview
A reputable law firm is seeking a Senior Attorney with over 10 years of experience in Employment Law to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employment litigation, particularly defending school districts, and possess a proactive approach to case management. This position offers opportunities for career growth, including an accelerated partnership track.

Location

• Westlake Village, CA

Duties

• Litigation Defense & Risk Management for School Districts

  • Defend school districts in employment-related lawsuits, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims.
  • Handle disputes arising from complaints filed with agencies such as the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
  • Manage the discovery process, motion practice, and settlement negotiations.
  • 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 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 to ensure compliance and prevent litigation.

• Policy Development & Compliance for Educational Institutions

  • Review and draft school district employment policies on areas such as employee conduct, tenure, discipline, and termination.
  • Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts to ensure compliance with public education laws, union agreements, and collective bargaining terms.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations impacting public school employment, including Title IX, ADA, and education-specific statutes.

• Training & Development for School District HR and Administrators

  • Provide training to school district leadership, HR personnel, and administrators on legal compliance and best practices in employee relations.
  • Conduct workshops on topics such as 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.
• Required experience in school district defense.
• Trial experience preferred but not required.
• Experience with public entity defense is a plus.
• Strong research, analytical, and negotiating skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Ability to manage cases proactively and meet deadlines.

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

• Expertise in employment law, public sector law, and education law.
• Proficiency in managing litigation, risk mitigation, and legal strategy development.
• Strong skills in drafting policies, contracts, and ensuring legal compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with school district leadership and HR departments.
• Experience in conducting legal training and workshops.

Benefits

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

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.