Employment Law Attorney

Employment Law Attorney-Defense

We are seeking a skilled Employment Law Attorney to provide high-quality legal counsel and representation to employers and employees on complex workplace matters. The attorney will manage litigation and pre-litigation claims, advise on compliance with wage-and-hour laws, California PAGA matters, FEHA discrimination claims, employee handbooks and policies, and guide clients through dispute resolution. The role requires strong litigation experience, excellent client communication, and the ability to develop practical strategies that minimize exposure and achieve favorable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent employers and employees in employment litigation, including state and federal court matters, arbitration, and administrative proceedings.
• Handle PAGA claims and related representative actions, including pre-filing notices, tolling agreements, and settlement negotiations.
• Advise clients on Wage & Hour disputes, including class and representative actions, exemptions, meal and rest period compliance, wage statements, and payroll practices.
• Counsel on FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act) matters, including discrimination, harassment, and reasonable accommodation claims.
• Draft, review, and update employee handbooks, policies, employment agreements, severance agreements, and independent contractor agreements to ensure compliance with current law.
• Conduct internal investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct and provide remedial recommendations and training.
• Develop litigation strategies, prepare pleadings, motions, discovery, take and defend depositions, and manage trial preparation and hearing presentations.
• Negotiate settlements, participate in mediations, and advise clients on risk assessment and exposure management.
• Provide practical compliance counseling and training for HR and management on employment law developments and best practices.
• Maintain client relationships, manage case budgets and billing, and coordinate with outside counsel when necessary.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the state bar.
• California bar admission preferred (or admission to relevant state bar where practice will occur).
• Minimum 3-5 years of litigation experience in employment law, with demonstrated experience in PAGA and Wage & Hour matters.
• Substantial experience handling FEHA claims, discrimination and harassment litigation, and internal workplace investigations.
• Proven courtroom experience, including drafting motions, taking depositions, and arguing hearings or trials.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, including experience preparing handbooks, policies, agreements, and settlement documents.
• Excellent client-facing skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues in practical terms.
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Experience working with employers and employees on compliance counseling, training, and policy development.