Labor and Employment Associate - San Francisco or Los Angeles, CA

Labor and Employment · 4–6 Years of Experience · California Bar Admission Required

An elite, Am Law 50 full-service firm is seeking a senior mid-level to senior associate to join its nationally ranked Labor and Employment practice group in California. This role is a deliberate track for an attorney who has mastered the basics of employment defense and is now looking for a clear, predictable path to partnership within a tier-one national platform.

The Work

You will step into a sophisticated, management-side practice that is repeatedly recognized by Chambers USA and BTI as a market leader for complex workplace disputes. The firm's cross-office model ensures you will handle high-stakes matters for a prestigious, nationwide client roster.

• High-Stakes Class Actions: Defend major corporate employers against complex wage‑and‑hour class actions and PAGA claims across California.
• Substantive Litigation: Manage a robust portfolio of employment defense matters, including discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims in state and federal courts.
• Strategic Execution: Take a lead role in case strategy, from taking and defending key depositions to drafting sophisticated dispositive motions and preparing matters for trial.

Who This Is For

This position is designed for an experienced employment litigator with 4 to 6 years of dedicated defense experience who is ready to transition from a supporting associate to a partner‑track strategist.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional writing credentials, a sharp analytical mind, and the ability to seamlessly collaborate with colleagues and clients across a national network. If you are looking to elevate your practice by anchoring it to a brand‑name L&E platform that values true teamwork over rigid hierarchy, this is the right runway.

The Platform

This firm offers the perfect intersection of Am Law 50 resources and a genuinely collaborative culture. Recognized consistently as a leader in complex employment litigation, the firm is known for an environment where talent is developed rather than commoditized. The firm utilizes a modern hybrid work structure (three days in‑office per week) designed to balance high‑level client service, meaningful mentorship, and individual flexibility.

Compensation and Benefits

The firm provides a highly competitive compensation structure that rewards performance through structured productivity and discretionary bonuses.

• Base Salary Range: $280,000 – $315,000 (Actual initial salary is unpinned from a rigid scale and will be calibrated based on specific experience, training, and office location).
• Retirement: Comprehensive 401(k) retirement plan.
• Insurance: Complete health, life, accident, and disability insurance packages.