Labor & Employment Mid-Level Associate

The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking an Associate Attorney with three to seven years of experience in employment law and litigation to join us in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice. Ideally, the candidate should have experience counseling clients in employment-related decision-making, along with developing and maintaining workable employment policies, practices, and procedures that comply with always evolving legal requirements. The candidate also should have experience handling claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under state and/or federal employment laws, and the ability to handle DOL audits and EEOC charges, including defending investigations, preparing position statements, defending clients in fact-finding conferences and on-site visits, representing clients in mediations and conciliations, and negotiating settlements. The candidate should also have employment litigation experience, including drafting responsive pleadings, handling all aspects of the discovery process, and drafting motions, including motions for summary judgment. The candidate should like to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. Candidates should highlight prior work representing higher education or public-sector clients, as this role will include significant work for public and private colleges and universities. In addition, the firm is open to candidates with 3-5 years of litigation experience who are interested in shifting to a full-time employment law practice that includes both employment litigation and advice and counsel work.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. This position is available in our Austin, Los Angeles, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee or Raleigh offices.

Job Requirements

Knowledge Base & Education:

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
• Excellent academic credentials
• Three to seven years of employment law experience in private practice

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other:

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs
• Mentorship Program
• Bar Exam/Bar Review Course Reimbursement

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Unlimited PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays
• Performance Recognition
• ABA, State and Local Bar Membership Fee Reimbursement

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected Organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Healthy Work-Life Balance
• Flexible Remote Work Policy (Ability to work remote up to 2.5 days per week)
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

For California and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for this role in our California and Illinois offices is between $185,000 and $245,000. The salary range reflects our good-faith expectation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. Individuals in this role are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective or voluntary life, disability, accident coverage, paid holidays, paid time off, and eligible reimbursements. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s 401k plan. Application review will begin promptly and will continue until the position is filled. Submit your application by clicking apply now.