Employment Litigation Associate Attorney Mid to Senior Level

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Litigation Associate Attorney – Mid to Senior Level

Portland, OR

Direct Counsel is seeking a mid-to-senior level Employment Litigation Associate Attorney with 5+ years of experience to join a robust Employment Services practice.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience representing employers in complex employment litigation and workplace disputes , with the ability to manage matters independently while working collaboratively with experienced employment litigators. This role offers significant client interaction, meaningful responsibility, and exposure to sophisticated matters for regional and national employers across a range of industries.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in state and federal employment litigation involving:
  • Discrimination and harassment
  • Retaliation and wrongful termination
  • Wage and hour disputes
  • Leave-related matters
  • Restrictive covenant disputes
• Manage cases through all phases of litigation, including pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motions practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Draft persuasive motions, briefs, and other litigation filings.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic analysis on employment law issues.
• Advise clients on day-to-day employment matters and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice groups on sophisticated employment matters.
• Participate in business development and client relationship initiatives.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice in a relevant U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of employment litigation experience at a law firm, government agency, or in-house legal department.
• Strong experience handling employment disputes in state and federal courts .
• Experience taking and defending depositions, managing discovery, and drafting dispositive motions.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong interpersonal and client service skills.
• Oregon Bar admission preferred , or willingness to obtain admission promptly.

Compensation & Benefits

The annualized salary range is $265,000–$315,000 , with actual compensation based on factors including education, training, experience, and other job-related qualifications.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), FSAs, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, commuter benefits, and an annual discretionary bonus opportunity.