Labor & Employment Associate (Defense-Side)

Job Description

Job Description

Labor & Employment Associate (Defense-Side)

Location: Los Angeles, CA or Irvine, CA (Hybrid) | Compensation: $150,000 – $215,000 base | Equity: Competitive | Hiring: 2 candidates

About the Role

We are looking for a Labor and Employment Associate with 3–7 years of defense-side experience to join our growing team. We are seeking a passionate, team-oriented attorney who is looking for a long-term home to develop their career, gain substantive trial and arbitration experience, and become a key part of our collaborative, family-like culture.

What You'll Be Doing

• Run active employment defense matters day-to-day, from single-plaintiff cases to PAGA and class actions.
• Lead discovery, including drafting and arguing motions and taking/defending depositions.
• Gain significant, hands-on arbitration and trial experience, with opportunities to second-chair and quickly take on more responsibility.
• Advise and counsel a variety of California employers on complex employment law issues.
• Work directly with partners and clients, helping to shape case strategy from start to finish.

Key Requirements

• 3–7 years of post-bar litigation experience in California employment law.
• Experience must be exclusively on the defense side; no candidates with plaintiff-side experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in discovery, motion practice, and case management.
• Exposure to PAGA and class action litigation is highly preferred.
• A collaborative, team-player mentality with a genuine passion for employment law and desire for a long-term career path.

Hybrid Work Policy

The Orange County office requires a minimum of 3 days in-office in Irvine, CA. The Los Angeles office is more flexible and remote-friendly.

Visa sponsorship: Not available

Why Candidates Should Join

• Boutique firm with big law experience: Founded by former AmLaw 100 attorneys who bring sophisticated litigation experience in a collaborative boutique environment.
• Real trial and arbitration opportunities: Associates regularly second-chair federal jury trials and argue summary judgment motions — not just document review.
• Clear partnership track: Multiple associates get promoted to senior counsel and partner every year with transparent advancement criteria.
• Strong work-life balance culture: 1800 billable hour requirement with generous discretionary bonuses and firm-wide retreats in Vegas.
• Mentorship and development focus: Monthly TADA program for associate development plus dedicated mentor matching with partners.

Candidate Screening Questions

1. This role is hybrid, with an expectation of at least 3 days in the office. Are you able to work from either our Orange County or Los Angeles office on this basis?
2. To confirm, is all of your employment law experience on the defense side? We cannot consider candidates with plaintiff-side experience due to conflicts.
3. We're looking for attorneys who want to be here for the long haul, not just a 1–2 year blip on a resume. What are you looking for in your next firm that points to a long-term fit?
4. Can you be on-site? If not, are you willing to relocate?
5. What is your salary expectation?
6. How actively are you recruiting?

Interview Process

3 steps