Employment Litigation Associate (3-5 years) - San Francisco

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Litigation Associate – AmLaw 100 Firm
Location: Palo Alto or San Francisco, CA

Direct Counsel represents an AmLaw 100 firm seeking a talented mid-level Employment Litigation Associate to join its highly regarded Employment & Trade Secret group.

The firm’s employment litigation team offers a uniquely broad and sophisticated practice. This is not a traditional, cookie-cutter employment department—it is an exciting, collaborative environment working with innovative clients ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies across industries including technology, life sciences, green energy, and cleantech.

Associates in this practice handle significant and complex matters involving all aspects of the employment relationship. Responsibilities may include conducting internal investigations, advising clients on employment issues related to corporate transactions, preparing litigation strategies and briefs, and handling disputes involving trade secret misappropriation, restrictive covenants, contract claims, discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related matters.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in management-side employment law litigation and counseling . Qualified candidates should have substantial experience litigating employment matters and advising sophisticated clients on a wide range of employment issues, including:

• Employment terminations, leaves of absence, and workplace policies
• Trade secrets, restrictive covenants, non-compete agreements, and employee mobility issues
• Employment-related issues in mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions
• Internal investigations and employment disputes

Candidates must have excellent academic credentials, strong oral and written communication skills, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. California Bar membership is preferred , and candidates should be interested in residing in the firm’s Palo Alto or San Francisco office.

Compensation & Benefits
The expected salary range for this position is $260,000–$365,000 , depending on year of associate classification. Discretionary merit-based bonuses may also be awarded.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Wellness reimbursements
• 24/7 emotional and behavioral health support and virtual counseling
• Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Paid parental leave and parenting resources
• Career coaching and caregiver support programs
• Backup childcare services
• 401(k) retirement plan