Employment Associate Attorney

Employment Associate AttorneyDirect Counsel is seeking an Employment Associate Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Irvine (Orange County), Los Angeles, Menlo Park (Silicon Valley), New York City, San Francisco, or Santa Monica.This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with 3-5 years of employment law experience to join a highly regarded Employment Law practice. The role focuses on advising innovative technology companies, private equity firms, and other sophisticated employers on strategic workforce planning, employment counseling, and employment-related aspects of complex corporate transactions.ResponsibilitiesAdvise employers on strategic workforce planning, hiring, reductions in force, employment policies, wage and hour compliance, restrictive covenants, and founder disputes.Counsel C-suite executives and human resources leaders on complex employment law issues and regulatory compliance.Advise clients on employment-related risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and post-closing workforce integration.Draft and negotiate employment agreements, separation agreements, restrictive covenant agreements, and other employment-related documents.Provide day-to-day employment counseling to clients on workplace issues and best practices.Partner with corporate deal teams to provide employment law support on transactional matters.Develop practical, business-focused solutions tailored to clients in the technology and private equity sectors.Build and maintain strong client relationships while collaborating across multidisciplinary legal teams.QualificationsJ.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.Active membership in the California or New York State Bar, depending on office location.3-5 years of employment law experience at a major law firm.Current experience practicing in a Chambers-ranked Labor & Employment group is required.Experience counseling employers on employment law compliance and workplace strategy.Experience supporting corporate transactions from an employment law perspective.Strong drafting, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.Excellent academic credentials.Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.Sound professional judgment and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Commitment to delivering exceptional client service and practical legal solutions.Compensation & BenefitsSalary: $310,000-$390,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.Comprehensive benefits package, including:Medical, dental, vision, and life insuranceMental health and wellness programsChild, family, elder, and pet care benefitsShort- and long-term disability coverageIndustry-leading parental leaveHealth Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options401(k) retirement planFlexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidaysAnnual discretionary performance bonus eligibility