Labor & Employment Associate

Labor & Employment Associate (Defense-Side) Location: Los Angeles, CA or Irvine, CA (Hybrid) | Compensation: $150,000 – $215,000 base | Equity: Competitive | Hiring: 2 candidates About the Role We are looking for a Labor and Employment Associate with 3–7 years of defense-side experience to join our growing team. We are seeking a passionate, team-oriented attorney who is looking for a long-term home to develop their career, gain substantive trial and arbitration experience, and become a key part of our collaborative, family-like culture. What You'll Be Doing Run active employment defense matters day-to-day, from single-plaintiff cases to PAGA and class actions. Lead discovery, including drafting and arguing motions and taking/defending depositions. Gain significant, hands-on arbitration and trial experience, with opportunities to second-chair and quickly take on more responsibility. Advise and counsel a variety of California employers on complex employment law issues. Work directly with partners and clients, helping to shape case strategy from start to finish. Key Requirements 3–7 years of post-bar litigation experience in California employment law. Experience must be exclusively on the defense side; no candidates with plaintiff-side experience. Demonstrated proficiency in discovery, motion practice, and case management. Exposure to PAGA and class action litigation is highly preferred. A collaborative, team-player mentality with a genuine passion for employment law and desire for a long-term career path. Hybrid Work Policy The Orange County office requires a minimum of 3 days in-office in Irvine, CA. The Los Angeles office is more flexible and remote-friendly. Visa sponsorship: Not available Why Candidates Should Join Clear partnership track: Multiple associates get promoted to senior counsel and partner every year with transparent advancement criteria. Strong work-life balance culture: 1800 billable hour requirement with generous discretionary bonuses and firm-wide retreats in Vegas. Mentorship and development focus: Monthly TADA program for associate development plus dedicated mentor matching with partners. #J-18808-Ljbffr David Joseph & Company