Defense Wage Attorney

Associate Attorney – Wage & Hour Litigation- Defense FirmSan Diego, California | 3+ Years of Experience | Labor & Employment DefenseWe are currently looking for a seasoned Associate Attorney to join a high-level wage and hour litigation practice. Our client is a top-ranked law firm. This position is ideal for a lawyer who enjoys intricate litigation, significant responsibility, and collaborating with experienced professionals and employer clients.Why This Opportunity Stands OutOur client fosters an environment where lawyers are empowered to share ideas, take the lead, and have a strong influence on client service and the development of the practice. The firm is actively investing in technology, improving systems, and finding more effective ways to assist clients dealing with complex workplace challenges. Lawyers who are pragmatic, forward-looking, and focused on solutions will have the chance to influence case handling and the growth of the practice.The PositionThe attorney will be based in the San Diego office of this nationwide law firm, handling complex California wage and hour disputes, including class, collective, and representative actions in state and federal courts. This role offers significant ownership of cases and exposure to matters involving substantial financial and operational issues for employer clients.• Formulate litigation strategy and drive cases from initial evaluation to resolution.• Conduct and defend depositions and oversee extensive written discovery.• Research, draft, and argue substantive motions, including pivotal and class-related motions.• Prepare legal pleadings, briefs, and other essential litigation documents.• Assess and develop strategy for representative actions filed under PAGA.• Analyze wage and hour concerns related to employee classification, regular-rate calculations, meal and rest periods, wage statements, and waiting-time penalties.• Engage directly with clients and collaborate with attorneys in the broader labor and employment field.QualificationsWe are seeking candidates with a minimum of three years of litigation experience and a solid understanding of California employment law. The most qualified candidates will have firsthand experience handling complex wage and hour cases rather than a background limited to support roles.• Active membership in the California Bar.• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.• Over 5 years of litigation experience, preferably with extensive wage and hour defense exposure.• Proficient knowledge of the California Labor Code, PAGA, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).• Proven experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and substantive legal writing.• Strong analytical skills and the ability to craft practical litigation strategies from complex legal issues.• Capacity to handle multiple complex cases while thriving in a collaborative setting.• Strong academic record and exceptional written and oral advocacy abilities.The Firm's Environment & CultureThis is an opportunity to be part of a firm that blends the resources and breadth of a national platform with an entrepreneurial outlook on practice growth and client service. Lawyers receive substantial client interaction, access to experienced peers, and the opportunity to contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities. The firm is dedicated to ongoing improvement and welcomes professionals who seek innovative ways to solve problems, collaborate, and provide value.We are an executive search firm with over 15 years of experience assisting lawyers in making significant career transitions. All inquiries and candidate information will be handled with discretion.