Labor & Employment Associate Attorney

Labor & Employment Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join the Los Angeles office of a prestigious Am Law firm with a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice. This opportunity is ideal for a mid- to senior-level attorney with at least four years of employment litigation experience, particularly in wage and hour class actions and representative actions, who is seeking sophisticated work, significant client responsibility, and a clear path toward partnership.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and have experience managing complex litigation from inception through resolution. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside highly regarded employment litigators representing a diverse range of clients in high-profile California employment matters.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of employment litigation from initial case assessment through trial or resolution.
• Defend employers in complex wage and hour class actions, representative actions, and other employment-related disputes.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies for complex employment matters.
• Manage all aspects of discovery, including document review, written discovery, and witness preparation.
• Take and defend depositions and participate in court appearances, hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical legal advice.
• Manage multiple active matters while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and client service.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to the continued growth of the firm's California Labor & Employment practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Minimum of 4 years of employment litigation experience.
• Significant experience handling wage and hour class actions and representative actions.
• Ability to independently manage litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with experience managing multiple complex matters simultaneously.
• Deposition and courtroom experience is preferred.
• Active admission to the California Bar is required.

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Join one of the nation's premier Labor & Employment practices.
• Work on sophisticated, high-profile employment litigation matters for a diverse client base.
• Receive meaningful responsibility and direct client interaction from day one.
• Enjoy a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with strong mentorship and professional development.
• Benefit from a clearly defined path toward partnership.
• Build your career alongside nationally recognized employment litigators in a supportive team environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $265,000 – $435,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• Competitive performance-based compensation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life, accident, critical illness, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, paid family leave, and firm holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and virtual healthcare services.
• Transportation benefits.
• Backup childcare assistance.
• College savings and tuition assistance programs.
• Pet insurance and additional voluntary benefits.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Labor & Employment attorney seeking sophisticated litigation, meaningful client responsibility, outstanding mentorship, and long-term career growth within a nationally recognized practice.