San Diego - Mid-Level Employment Litigation Associate Attorney

Location: San Diego, CA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $210,000 – $270,000 base salary

Overview

An international labor and employment law firm is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney to join its Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in San Diego. This role offers the opportunity to handle complex California Wage & Hour claims and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters, representing employers in high-stakes litigation and advising on compliance and risk management strategies.

What you'll do

• Represent employers in California employment litigation, including Wage & Hour-related class actions and collective actions and PAGA claims
• Draft and respond to discovery requests and initial pleadings
• Draft, argue, and respond to motions in state and federal courts
• Take and defend depositions, and prepare witnesses for hearings
• Advise clients on employment compliance and risk mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with partners, associates, and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical solutions

Required qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing
• 3+ years of substantive employment litigation experience, including California Wage & Hour class and collective actions as well as PAGA claims
• Skilled in drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings
• Experience drafting and arguing motions, and taking and defending depositions
• Strong writing, analytical, and research skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong communication and organizational skills

Compensation and benefits

• Annual base salary expected to range from $210,000 – $270,000, based on experience, qualifications, and market factors
• Eligibility for bonuses and profit-sharing
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Paid time off and paid parental leave
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Family/dependent care leave
• FSA/HSA
• Employee assistance program
• Optional critical care, accident and hospital indemnity coverage
• Domestic partner benefits
• Student loan refinancing support
• Dependent life insurance
• Pet insurance

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to handle sophisticated litigation matters impacting major employers across California and beyond, with direct client interaction, hands‑on litigation experience, ongoing training, and meaningful opportunities for advancement.