Labor & Employment Associate (4–7 Years) - San Francisco

Labor & Employment Associate (4–7 Years) – California (Los Angeles or San Francisco) 

Direct Counsel represents a well-regarded Am Law firm seeking a midlevel to senior Labor & Employment Associate to join its California offices. This is a strong opportunity for an experienced attorney to take on leadership responsibility, build a practice, and work on sophisticated employment matters across industries.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead employment litigation matters, including single-plaintiff and class/collective actions
• Handle court appearances, depositions, and all phases of litigation
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, including summary judgment and arbitration motions
• Manage complex discovery and class certification strategy
• Counsel clients on employment compliance, policies, and workplace issues
• Draft employment-related agreements, including separation, arbitration, and offer documents
• Conduct labor and employment due diligence for M&A transactions
• Supervise junior associates and manage client relationships

What We’re Looking For:

• 4–7 years of labor & employment experience
• Strong litigation background with hands-on motions and deposition experience
• Experience with wage & hour and class/collective actions preferred
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage matters and client relationships
• Federal clerkship experience is a plus
• Experience at an Am Law 100 firm preferred
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Active California Bar admission required

Why This Role:

• High level of responsibility with direct client interaction
• Opportunity to build and grow a practice within a leading L&E group
• Exposure to both litigation and counseling work
• Competitive compensation: $260,000 – $420,000 discretionary bonus
• Comprehensive benefits, including 401(k), healthcare, and parental leave
• Hybrid work schedule (2dys in the office, 3dys from home)