What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Law Partner – School District Defense position at Safeguard?
Location: California (Multiple Locations / Flexible)
Work Model: Flexible / Hybrid Options Available
Must-Have Requirements (Apply only if you meet these)
- Active California State Bar license (required)
- 8 years of employment law experience
- Strong defense-side litigation experience (required)
- Experience representing school districts or public sector clients
- Significant experience handling employment litigation matters
- Excellent writing, communication, and legal analysis skills
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Employment Law Partner to join a growing legal team focused on defending school districts and public entities. This role is ideal for a senior attorney who can independently manage complex litigation, provide strategic legal counsel, and serve as a trusted advisor to educational institutions.
Key ResponsibilitiesLitigation & Case Management
- Represent school districts in employment-related disputes, including:
- Wrongful termination
- Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims
- Lead all phases of litigation:
- Discovery
- Motion practice
- Trial preparation and resolution
- Handle agency matters (EEOC, state labor boards, etc.)
Strategic Legal Counsel
- Advise school leadership, HR teams, and boards on:
- Title IX, ADA, FMLA compliance
- Employment regulations and risk mitigation
- Provide guidance on union matters and collective bargaining issues
Policy & Compliance
- Draft and review employment policies, contracts, and procedures
- Ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws
- Support best practices around discipline, termination, and employee relations
Training & Advisory
- Conduct training sessions on:
- Workplace compliance
- Discrimination prevention
- Employment law updates
- Guide administrators and HR teams on reducing legal risk
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) required
- 8 years employment law experience, primarily in litigation
- Experience serving as 1st or 2nd chair in civil trials (preferred)
- Strong background in public sector or school district defense (highly preferred)
- Ability to manage cases independently and handle complex legal matters
Work Location Options (California)
Flexible placement across major cities, including:
- Los Angeles area (El Segundo)
- Orange County
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Oakland
- Fresno
- Ontario
- Redding
- Westlake Village
What This Role Offers
- Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities
- Flexible work environment with remote options
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture
- Opportunity to work on high-impact public sector cases
What Success Looks Like
- Effective management of complex employment litigation cases
- Strong client relationships with school districts and public entities
- High-quality legal strategy and risk mitigation
- Successful outcomes in litigation and agency matters
Pay: $230,000.00 - $290,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Employment law: 8 years (Required)
- defense-side litigation: 4 years (Required)
- school districts or public sector clients: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Active California State Bar license (Required)
Work Location: Remote
Salary : $230,000 - $290,000