Employment & Labor Associate Attorney

Employment & Labor Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment & Labor Associate Attorney to join a nationally recognized law firm's Employment and Labor practice. This position offers flexibility across the firm's Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or San Diego offices and is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 2–5 years of broad employment law experience to work on sophisticated employment litigation and counseling matters.

The ideal candidate will have experience handling employment disputes from case development through discovery and briefing, as well as advising employers on day-to-day workplace issues, employment policies, regulatory compliance, and employment-related agreements. This role offers the opportunity to develop a well-rounded employment practice while working alongside experienced attorneys and advising clients on a broad range of employment and labor matters.

Responsibilities:

• Handle employment litigation matters, including case development, legal research, and drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Manage all aspects of discovery, including written discovery, document review, depositions, and related litigation activities.
• Conduct witness interviews and assist with internal workplace investigations.
• Draft legal memoranda, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
• Provide employment counseling to clients on workplace policies, practices, and procedures.
• Advise employers on applicable federal and state employment laws, statutory requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate employment agreements, separation agreements, and related documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues on complex employment matters.
• Assist with training and mentoring junior associates while contributing to a supportive team environment.

Qualifications:

• 2–5 years of broad employment and labor law experience.
• Experience with employment litigation, including case development, discovery, witness interviews, investigations, and brief writing.
• Strong employment counseling experience, including advising clients on workplace policies, practices, and compliance matters.
• Experience with employment agreements and separation agreements.
• Current admission to the California Bar is required.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment.
• High level of motivation, initiative, and work ethic.
• Willingness to assist with training and mentoring junior associates.

Compensation & Benefits:

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $235,000–$365,000, with final compensation dependent on geographic location, applicable experience, and skill set.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term medical benefits, and long-term care coverage.
• Four weeks of accrued vacation annually and two weeks of sick time.
• 10 paid holidays each year.
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits.
• Backup care for children and adults, along with additional parental support resources.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.

Office Locations: Los Angeles; Santa Monica; San Diego.

Interested in Learning More?

Employment attorneys with 2–5 years of experience in employment litigation and counseling are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a combination of litigation experience, workplace investigations, and employment counseling skills are particularly encouraged to explore this opportunity.

Please submit your resume to Direct Counsel for confidential consideration. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the position and how it may align with your career goals.