Associate Attorney - Labor & Employment

Associate Attorney - Labor & Employment

We are a long-established, full-service law firm based in San Diego, serving clients for more than 80 years. Our team delivers high-level legal work across a wide range of practice areas, combining deep experience with a collaborative, client-focused approach that values professionalism, integrity, and practical problem solving. We offer a strong platform for attorneys to grow their skills, build meaningful client relationships, and contribute to a respected firm with deep roots in the community. Position Overview We are seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to join our Labor & Employment practice. The successful candidate will represent management and employers in a broad range of employment matters, including litigation and internal investigations, and provide counseling to clients on compliance, risk mitigation, and workplace policies. This role requires strong litigation experience, excellent legal writing and analytical skills, and the ability to manage a varied caseload from intake through resolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent employers in employment litigation matters, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour, and retaliation claims.
• Conduct internal workplace investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, and policy violations, preparing comprehensive investigative reports and recommendations.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, discovery requests, demand letters, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents.
• Manage all phases of litigation, including case strategy, pre-trial preparation, depositions, motion practice, and trial support.
• Advise clients on employment policies, compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, and best practices to reduce liability and workplace risk.
• Counsel clients on employee discipline, terminations, accommodations, leave issues, and workforce reductions (including WARN Act matters).
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients in mediations and alternative dispute resolution forums.
• Develop and deliver training and compliance programs on harassment prevention, discrimination, and other workplace issues.
• Collaborate with partners and senior attorneys on case strategy, client development, and business generation.
• Maintain accurate case files, billing records, and client communications, ensuring timely and effective client service.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active admission to the state bar in good standing.
• 2+ years of experience in labor and employment law, with a preference for candidates with employment litigation and investigative experience.
• Demonstrated experience handling discrimination and harassment claims, internal investigations, and employment-related litigation.
• Strong litigation skills, including legal research, persuasive writing, motion drafting, discovery practice, and deposition experience.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and client counseling skills, with a commitment to client service and professional ethics.
• Comfortable conducting workplace investigations and preparing clear, objective investigative reports and recommendations.
• Experience in mediations, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated business development or client relationship skills preferred; ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Benefits

• Competitive bonuses structure (Quarterly + Annual)
• Unlimited PTO
• Benefits - 100% employer paid
• Hybrid schedule
• 10 Holidays
• Paid State Bar of California dues
• Paid San Diego County Bar Associate Membership

For this position you must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor for this position.