Associate Attorney - Employment Law

Dunn Carney LLP’s Employment Group is growing and we are seeking an associate-level attorney with 3-5 years of experience handling Oregon and Washington matters. This is an opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility in a collaborative, mid-sized firm where your work will have direct client impact. You will handle a diverse range of employment matters while working alongside experienced attorneys who are invested in your professional growth. In addition, you will have opportunities to take ownership of your cases while receiving support from a team that values collaboration and professional development.

What You’ll Do

You will play an active role in all phases of a matter, including:

• Supporting senior attorneys in counseling and litigation involving wage and hour, leave, discrimination, and workplace policy issues
• Managing a variety of employment disputes from inception through resolution
• Helping employers navigate difficult workplace decisions and defend them when those decisions turn into litigation
• Drafting persuasive responses to administrative complaints, pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal memoranda
• Overseeing document collection and production
• Developing case strategy and advising clients
• Taking and defending depositions
• Representing clients in mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and trials
• Using AI tools thoughtfully and effectively to support legal research, analysis, drafting, compliance, data review, and other employment-law-related work, while exercising sound professional judgment and attention to confidentiality, accuracy, and ethical considerations

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented attorney who takes ownership of their work and is committed to delivering excellent client service. The ideal candidate comes with the following:

• Strong Legal Fundamentals. Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills; sound judgment; practical, client-focused advice; and the ability to manage competing deadlines without sacrificing attention to detail.
• Ownership and Accountability. A proactive, solutions-oriented approach; the ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and follow through on commitments while taking responsibility for challenges and outcomes.
• Curiosity and Initiative. A willingness to embrace unfamiliar challenges, conduct thorough research, prepare thoughtfully, and develop practical approaches to new or complex issues.
• Creative, Client-Focused Thinking. The ability to look beyond conventional approaches, identify creative and practical solutions, and prioritize the best possible outcome for the client over unnecessary conflict.
• Drive and Commitment. A strong desire to advocate for clients, take ownership of meaningful responsibilities, build a successful legal career, and continually improve through dedication, resilience, and hard work.
• Technology and AI Proficiency. The ability to use AI and other technology thoughtfully and effectively to support legal research, analysis, drafting, and document review while safeguarding confidentiality, verifying accuracy and citations, and exercising independent professional judgment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Oregon State Bar (Washington State Bar Association admission a plus, but not required)
• 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney (employment and labor law experience is not required, but certainly valued, including advice, investigations, and litigation)
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Outstanding legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a deadline-driven environment
• Confidence in client interaction and collaboration with colleagues
• Understanding of wage-and-hour, discrimination, and leave laws under federal and Oregon/Washington frameworks
• Enthusiasm for integrating technology into high-quality legal practice and strong attention to precision and confidentiality
• Demonstrated expertise using AI environments for complex legal drafting or data analysis

Why Dunn Carney

We offer more than just interesting work; we offer a place to build a successful career. You will be part of a supportive, team-oriented environment where attorneys are encouraged to grow, take initiative, and develop their practice.

We invest in attorneys who invest in their own development. You’ll have access to experienced lawyers, substantive feedback, and opportunities to learn by doing.

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. That commitment strengthens our firm, our client relationships, and our community.

Dunn Carney LLP is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications for employment from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds.

If you need reasonable accommodations to apply for any position, please let us know.

All employment decisions, practices and procedures are carried out without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other applicable legally protected status.