Employment Litigation Associate

Employment Litigation Associate

A well-established law firm is seeking an Employment Litigation Associate with 3-5 years of litigation experience to join its Durham, NC office. The attorney will work directly with partners representing local, regional, national, and international employers in state and federal courts, before administrative agencies, and in arbitration.

Prior employment litigation experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with a strong background in business, commercial, or general civil litigation will also be considered. The firm offers hands-on experience, including depositions, motion practice, discovery, and direct client contact.

Responsibilities include:

• Defend employers in state and federal litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other employment-related claims
• Handle wage and hour disputes involving the FLSA and state and local wage laws
• Handle matters involving non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, confidentiality agreements, trade secrets, and employee duty-of-loyalty claims
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other legal documents
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
• Manage discovery, including document collection, review, production, and coordination with e-discovery vendors
• Represent employers in EEOC investigations, Department of Labor matters, OSHA proceedings, unemployment determinations, and other agency matters
• Represent clients in arbitration before FINRA, AAA, JAMS, and other arbitration providers
• Conduct legal research and prepare written analysis and client communications
• Advise clients regarding litigation strategy, risk, mediation, settlement, and resolution options

Requirements include:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• 3-5 years of litigation experience
• Strong experience drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, and taking or defending depositions
• Active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Ability to obtain North Carolina licensure within one year
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Strong references from current or former supervising attorneys