Sr. Employment Defense Associate / Counsel

Sr. Employment Defense Associate / CounselPosition OverviewWe 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 ResponsibilitiesManage 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.QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school Barred in CA5+ 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.