Of Counsel - Traditional Labor Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) is an AmLaw 200 law firm with a statewide presence and nine offices, including four in Northern California. We are recognized as one of California’s leading law firms serving public entities.

Our Public Entity Labor and Employment Practice Group in Sausalito (Marin County/SF Bay Area) and Sacramento is expanding, and we are seeking an Of Counsel attorney with significant traditional labor experience to join our high-performing team representing cities, counties, and special districts throughout California.

About the Role

This Of Counsel role is ideal for an attorney with a strong background in traditional labor law — including collective bargaining, labor negotiations, unfair practice litigation, and labor arbitrations — and a passion for advising and representing public-sector employers.

Candidates must bring at least seven (7) years of legal practice and/or substantial experience pre- or post-law school in traditional labor work, including direct involvement in negotiations, administrative proceedings, or arbitration. Experience representing clients before PERB, NLRB, or a similar agency is preferred; experience working for a labor board (PERB, NLRB) will also be considered qualifying experience.

This position offers immediate opportunities for client-facing work, strategic leadership, and independent matter management, with the support of an experienced team of public law practitioners.

Key Responsibilities

As Of Counsel, you will:

• Serve as chief negotiator or provide labor and employment support to firm clients to supplement independent negotiators during collective bargaining and meet-and-confer processes.
• Represent public employers in unfair labor practice proceedings before PERB, NLRB, or equivalent state agencies.
• Handle labor arbitrations, grievances, and disciplinary appeal hearings (including Skelly and post-disciplinary proceedings).
• Provide day-to-day labor and employment advice on employee relations, discipline, leaves, disability accommodation, and policy drafting.
• Draft, interpret, and negotiate MOUs, side letters, and labor-related policies, ensuring alignment with client goals and governing law.
• Be conversant with salary surveys, budget analysis, costings, payroll processes, and public-sector wage and hour issues, and work collaboratively with internal and external finance professionals to develop data-driven negotiation strategies.
• Partner with colleagues on litigation, writs of mandate, and complex advisory matters.
• Deliver board, executive, and management training on labor relations and employment law.
• Contribute to thought leadership, mentorship, and client development within the practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Minimum seven (7) years of legal practice and/or substantial experience pre- or post-law school in traditional labor work.
• Strong understanding of federal or California bargaining laws and related regulations, with experience interpreting local employer-employee relations resolutions and MOUs.
• Proven experience in collective bargaining, contract negotiations, labor arbitrations, and PERB/NLRB administrative proceedings.
• Experience representing or working for public agencies preferred; private-sector labor experience considered if transferable.
• Experience working for a labor board (PERB or NLRB) qualifies as relevant experience.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and advocacy skills, with the ability to manage complex matters independently.
• Highly professional, responsive, and collaborative, with strong client-relations and communication skills.
• Not required, but a plus if you have experience in public safety negotiations and/or specific experience with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Why AALRR?

This is a unique opportunity to join an AmLaw 200 firm and work directly with high-profile public agency clients statewide. You will:

• Engage in impactful work shaping labor relations and governance for California’s public employers.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team that values mentorship, excellence, and work-life balance.
• Enjoy direct client exposure and the ability to lead negotiations and complex matters early.
• Access robust professional development, firmwide trainings, and leadership opportunities.
• Receive competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid work flexibility in Sausalito (Marin County) or Sacramento, serving clients across Northern California.

To Apply: Submit your resume, law school transcript, and a representative writing sample.