L&E Counseling Associate (7-10 years) - Los Angeles

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Labor & Employment Counseling Associate

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Experience: 7–10 Years
Compensation: $375,000–$400,000/year + Excellent Benefits

Direct Counsel represents a leading Am Law 100 firm seeking a Senior Labor & Employment Counseling Associate to join its Los Angeles practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned, business-minded employment attorney who enjoys serving as a trusted advisor to sophisticated employers on complex workplace matters.

The successful candidate will work closely with HR professionals, in-house counsel, and business leaders to provide practical, strategic, and compliance-focused guidance tailored to each client's workforce and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Counsel California, national, and multinational employers on a broad range of employment law matters.
• Advise clients on wage and hour compliance, leaves of absence, disability accommodations, employee relations, discipline and terminations, and workforce reductions/restructurings.
• Advise on personnel policies, employment agreements, and emerging workplace compliance obligations.
• Draft, review, and implement employee handbooks, workplace policies, employment agreements, and other compliance documents.
• Conduct and advise on workplace audits, internal investigations, management training, and risk assessments.
• Counsel clients regarding occupational health and safety and prevailing wage compliance.
• Identify legal and operational risks and develop practical, business-focused compliance strategies.
• Provide actionable advice that aligns legal requirements with clients' business goals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with HR professionals, business leaders, and in-house counsel.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of Labor & Employment experience , with significant employment counseling experience.
• Experience counseling California, national, and multinational employers.
• Strong knowledge of wage and hour, leave, disability accommodation, employee relations, workplace policies, and employment agreements.
• Extensive experience drafting and reviewing employment-related documents.
• Experience with workplace investigations, audits, management training, and risk assessments strongly preferred.
• Occupational health/safety and prevailing wage experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing, judgment, and client-service skills.
• Business-minded approach with the ability to provide practical and strategic advice.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Active California Bar membership and good standing required.

Compensation & Benefits

• $375,000–$400,000 annual salary , depending on experience, location, and other job-related factors.
• Potential discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• HSA and flexible spending account options.
• 401(k).
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional voluntary benefits, including accident, critical illness, cancer, disability, and pet insurance.
• Commuter and transit programs may be available.

Join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice and advise sophisticated employers on complex, evolving workplace issues while working alongside an accomplished team of attorneys.