Labor & Employment Associate - Big Law

About the Job

As a former Big Law Capital Markets associate, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the lateral market without clear guidance. I went through the process myself and ultimately lateraled to an AmLaw 5 firm, which gives me a practical perspective on what actually matters to firms and how associates can position themselves effectively.

I’m currently recruiting for a Cravath-scale AmLaw 100 firm seeking a Labor & Employment Associate (3–6+ years) to join the firm’s Los Angeles office.

Key Qualifications

• 3–6+ years of labor & employment experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or elite boutique
• Experience handling employment litigation, counseling, and/or internal investigations
• JD from a top law school with strong academic credentials
• Experience drafting and arguing motions, managing discovery, taking/defending depositions, and advising on employment policies and agreements
• Admitted in California

Experience Required in any of the following Practice Areas:

• Employment litigation, including single-plaintiff matters (discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination) and complex wage & hour/class and collective actions
• Handling matters from pre-litigation through resolution, including administrative charges (EEOC, DOL), internal investigations, and court proceedings
• Drafting and arguing substantive motions, managing discovery, and taking/defending depositions
• Day-to-day advice and counseling on employment issues, including terminations, reductions in force, leaves of absence, accommodations, discipline, and workplace policies
• Drafting and negotiating employment-related agreements, including offer letters, employment agreements, separation agreements, and restrictive covenant agreements (non-competes, non-solicits, trade secrets)
• Advising on employee mobility and trade secret matters
• Supporting corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity deals, through employment diligence, drafting ancillary agreements, and advising on workforce-related risks
• Experience with internal investigations and responding to government or agency inquiries
• Exposure to traditional labor matters (e.g., collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, NLRB matters) is a plus

Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Exceptional attention to detail and sound judgment
• Ability to manage matters independently and run day-to-day aspects of cases
• Professionalism, strong client-service orientation, and commercial awareness

Compensation

• Base salary: $260,000 to $435,000, Cravath scale and class-year dependent
• Bonus range: $50,000 to $130,000, based on performance and seniority

About Pathfinder

At Pathfinder, I've built our process entirely around the candidate experience, not just firm demand. Since leaving practice, I've helped associates nationwide secure multiple Cravath-scale offers at top firms.

In Q4 2025 alone, we've placed numerous associates at AmLaw 100 firms and continue to see strong hiring momentum across corporate practices.

If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity in LA, or if you simply want candid guidance from someone who has been in your position, feel free to reach out through our website at or apply directly here. All inquiries are confidential.