Labor & Employment Associate Senior (5+ Years), Seattle

Labor & Employment Associate Senior (5 Years), SeattlePractice Area: Labor & EmploymentLevel: Senior Associate (Lateral)Location: Seattle, WACompensation (Seattle): $275,000 - $315,000, based on experience; lower-hours track available with proportional salary adjustment.OverviewA national full-service law firm is seeking a Senior Labor & Employment Associate with 5 years of experience to join its Seattle office. This is a highly client-facing role supporting a fast-moving, collaborative L&E practice with strong ties to teams in California. Prior California employment experience is a significant plus.The role offers meaningful responsibility, immediate client contact, and exposure to a broad range of employment counseling and litigation matters across multiple jurisdictions. The environment is non-hierarchical, team-driven, and ideal for someone who enjoys being a trusted first point of contact for long-standing clients.Core ResponsibilitiesProvide sophisticated, practical employment counseling on a wide range of issues nationwide.Manage single-plaintiff matters and play a key role in complex litigation, including class actions.Collaborate with partners on case strategy, risk assessment, and client communication.Handle brief writing, pleadings, motions, and legal research.Conduct witness interviews and prepare factual summaries.Draft and respond to discovery; manage litigation workflow and deadlines.Take and defend depositions.Participate in trial work as required.Coordinate multi-jurisdictional issues, including termination guidance, non-competes, wage/hour matters, and M&A-related employment needs.Maintain proactive workload ownership and consistent client responsiveness.Participate in special projects and team initiatives.Candidate RequirementsLicensed in Washington (including federal courts) and California (state courts at minimum).5 years of labor & employment experience (counseling litigation).Strong written and verbal communication skills; high responsiveness.Demonstrated commitment to client service and ability to build long-term relationships.Collaborative mindset; ability to work closely with partners and peers.Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; Excel a plus).Interest in professional development, diversity initiatives, and continuous improvement.Compensation & BenefitsSalary (Seattle): $275,000 - $315,000 depending on experience.Option to elect a reduced-hour track with proportional salary adjustment.Eligibility for associate bonuses (subject to firm policy).Extensive benefits package including:Comprehensive medical, dental, and visionInfertility, gender-affirming, and behavioral health coverage401(k) participationLife and disability insuranceFlexible time off paid holidaysUp to 15 weeks fully paid parental leaveAdditional paid medical leave for birth parentsDependent care, healthcare, and transportation FSAsBackup child/elder careEducation support, tutoring, wellbeing programsTransit programs (office-dependent)Relocation/clerkship/bar review support for eligible hires

Salary : $275,000 - $315,000