Sr. Employment Defense Associate / Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

Sr. Employment Defense Associate / Counsel

Sr. Employment Defense Associate / Counsel

Position Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Sr. Employment Defense Associate / Counsel to join our litigation team and lead defense matters involving individual employment disputes, wage-and-hour claims, PAGA actions, class and representative cases. The ideal candidate will manage a robust caseload from intake through trial or resolution, provide strategic client counseling, train and supervise junior attorneys, and contribute to business development. This role requires deep experience in employment defense and the ability to craft efficient litigation strategies that mitigate client risk while achieving favorable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a broad caseload of employment defense matters, including individual employment disputes, PAGA notices and representative actions, class actions and administrative claims.
• Develop case strategy and supervise all phases of litigation: pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation and presentation.
• Draft and argue dispositive and evidentiary motions, settlement agreements, briefs, and other pleadings; prepare and present oral arguments in court and administrative proceedings.
• Counsel clients on employment law risks, policies, internal investigations, and preventive measures to limit exposure to claims and regulatory enforcement.
• Lead and coordinate complex discovery responses, e-discovery protocols, and privilege analyses; manage outside vendors and experts as needed.
• Negotiate settlements and manage alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediation and arbitration, with an emphasis on cost-effective resolutions.
• Supervise, mentor, and review work of junior associates, paralegals, and litigation support staff; provide constructive feedback on legal writing, strategy, and courtroom skills.
• Manage client relationships and expectations, prepare client updates, budgets, and matter staffing plans; ensure accurate and timely billing practices.
• Monitor developments in employment law, PAGA trends, regulatory guidance, and case law to advise clients and update litigation strategies and training materials.
• Contribute to business development efforts by participating in client pitches, drafting thought leadership, and developing training programs for clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school 
• Barred in CA
• 5+ years of litigation experience with a heavy focus on employment defense; demonstrable experience defending wage-and-hour claims, PAGA actions, class and collective actions, and employment disputes is preferred.
• Proven courtroom and deposition experience, including taking/defending depositions and presenting at hearings and trials.
• Extensive knowledge of employment law doctrines, wage-and-hour regulations, PAGA practice and procedure, class action rules, and related statutes and regulations.
• Proven track record of managing complex litigation matters from inception through resolution while meeting budgetary and staffing constraints.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to draft persuasive motions, briefs, and client communications.
• Strong client service skills, including the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice and to build and maintain client relationships.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior attorneys and support staff; demonstrated leadership in a team environment.
• Comfortable managing discovery and e-discovery workflows, coordinating with vendors, and overseeing expert witness engagement.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work under deadline pressure; willingness to travel as required for depositions, hearings, and client meetings.

- For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 07/22/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed. Everforth CyberCoders is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications, and a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. A human recruiter reviews all results. Click here for details on our virtual recruiter .  Everforth CyberCoders will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Everforth CyberCoders is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment can contact a member of our Human Resources team at  View email address on ziprecruiter.com to make arrangements.