Irvine - Mid-Senior Employment Litigation Associate Attorney

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION ASSOCIATE ATTORNEYLocation: Irvine, CA Our client, an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm, is seeking a mid to senior-level Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in Orange County. This role offers the opportunity to handle complex California wage & hour class action claims and PAGA matters, representing employers in high-stakes litigation and advising on compliance and risk management strategies.Candidate ProfileJD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic recordActive Bar Admission in California, in good standing4–7 years of substantive employment litigation experienceExperience handling California wage and hour class actions and PAGA claimsSkilled in drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadingsExperience drafting and arguing motions, and taking and defending depositionsStrong writing, analytical, and research skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environmentSoft Skills: Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong communication and organizational skillsKey ResponsibilitiesRepresent employers in California wage & hour class action and PAGA litigationDraft and respond to discovery requests and initial pleadingsDraft, argue, and respond to motions in state and federal courtsTake and defend depositions, and prepare witnesses for hearingsAdvise clients on employment compliance and risk mitigation strategiesCollaborate with partners, associates, and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical solutionsWhy Join Us? This position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a premier labor and employment law firm, recognized for their excellence in handling high-profile wage & hour litigation, class actions, and PAGA litigation. In this role, you will handle sophisticated litigation matters impacting major employers across California and beyond. Attorneys in this practice benefit from direct client interaction, hands-on litigation experience, ongoing training, and meaningful opportunities for advancement. The firm fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where talented attorneys thrive through mentorship, professional development support, and exposure to cutting-edge labor and employment issues.For driven associates seeking to cultivate deep subject-matter expertise and advance within a market-leading practice, this role provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive Salary: Annual base salary expected to range from $230,000 – $270,000, based on experience, qualifications, and market factorsEligibility for bonuses and profit-sharingComprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid time off; paid parental leave; 401(k) with employer contribution; family/dependent care leave; FSA/HSA; and an employee assistance programAdditional Benefits: Optional critical care, accident and hospital indemnity coverage, domestic partner benefits, student loan refinancing support; dependent life insurance; and pet insuranceApplication RequirementsInterested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, law school transcript, and writing sample (10 pages max, substantially unedited by others) for consideration.Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.#LI-DNPType: direct hire