Labor and Employment Attorney

Direct Counsel has partnered with a premier California law firm to hire an Employment Litigation Associate. This is a unique opportunity to join the firm’s growing Labor & Employment practice and take on a significant role representing private and public-sector employers in complex employment litigation.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will have 4–7 years of substantive labor and employment law experience, including counseling, investigations, training, employee relations, negotiations, and litigation. This role involves handling a wide range of employment matters and offers meaningful opportunities for trial, arbitration, and client advisory work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice and counsel to employers on federal and state employment law compliance

• Conduct workplace investigations and provide training on employment best practices

• Handle employee relations and labor/employee negotiations

• Litigate employment matters involving:

  • Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation

  • FLSA and wage and hour issues, including class and collective actions

• Draft motions, pleadings, and legal memoranda

• Manage written discovery and depositions (taking and defending)

• Draft EEOC position statements and DFEH/CRD responses

• Conduct witness interviews and prepare for depositions, hearings, and trial

Preferred Experience

• Trial or arbitration experience

• Strong investigation background

• Experience advising on:

  • ADA/FEHA compliance and disability accommodations

  • FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and related leave laws

  • COVID-related workplace laws, regulations, and orders

• Labor relations or employee relations experience

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar in good standing is required

• 4–7 years of labor & employment experience required

• Excellent academic credentials

• Outstanding analytical, research, and writing skills

• Strong work ethic and commitment to exceptional client service

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Solid knowledge of California employment law

• Enthusiasm for growing a practice within a supportive, team-oriented environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $160,000–$200,000 (based on experience, skills, and location)

• Hybrid schedule

• Reasonable billable hours requirement

• Annual discretionary and billable hours bonuses

• Competitive health insurance benefits

• 401(k) with partial match

• Profit-sharing