Labor & Employment Associate Attorney (Mid-Senior Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate with 5–7 years of employment litigation experience to join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney looking to handle sophisticated employment disputes while working closely with experienced litigators on complex workplace matters for employers across a variety of industries.

The ideal candidate will have substantial employment litigation experience and the ability to independently manage cases from inception through trial while providing practical, business-focused legal counsel.

Location

• Columbus, OH

Responsibilities

• Manage employment litigation matters from initial case assessment through resolution.
• Draft and respond to:
  • Pleadings
  • Motions
  • Briefs
  • Written discovery
• Conduct legal research, factual investigations, and case strategy development.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Handle discovery disputes and motion practice.
• Assist with trial preparation and trial proceedings.
• Advise employers on employment law issues and litigation strategy.
• Collaborate with clients and colleagues to develop effective and practical legal solutions.
• Review, negotiate, and draft employment-related agreements when needed.
• Assist with employment-related due diligence in corporate transactions, as applicable.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with a strong academic record.
• Active admission to the Ohio Bar .
• 5–7 years of employment litigation experience.
• Experience independently managing litigation matters through discovery and motion practice.
• Strong experience with legal research, depositions, discovery, and brief writing.
• Excellent analytical, writing, advocacy, and communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with non-compete and restrictive covenant litigation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating employment agreements.
• Experience conducting employment-related due diligence for business transactions.
• Strong client counseling and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• Professional development, mentorship, and continuing legal education opportunities.
• Long-term career advancement within a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice.

Why This Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected Labor & Employment practice representing employers in sophisticated workplace disputes and counseling matters. Attorneys receive significant responsibility, direct client interaction, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and the opportunity to build a dynamic employment practice while working in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier legal employers and fostering inclusive hiring practices.