Labor & Employment Attorney

Job Description:

Position Overview:

A boutique California law firm specializing in labor and employment defense is seeking an experienced Associate to join its litigation team.

This is a hands-on opportunity offering significant responsibility, direct client interaction, and involvement across the full lifecycle of employment litigation. The role is suited to an attorney who wants meaningful case ownership and exposure to complex labor and employment matters.

What You'll Do:

• Defend California employers in single-plaintiff matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and FEHA claims.
• Handle PAGA representative actions and wage-and-hour litigation.
• Draft dispositive motions, discovery, mediation briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Advise clients on day-to-day employment matters and litigation risk.
• Appear in California state and federal courts.
• Manage cases from initial pleadings through resolution.

What We're Looking For:

• 2–8 years of California labor and employment litigation experience.
• Defense-side experience preferred.
• Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Single-plaintiff litigation experience strongly preferred.
• PAGA and wage-and-hour experience is a plus.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to independently manage and develop litigation matters.
• Comfortable working directly with clients and taking ownership of cases.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $160,000–$200,000.
• 1,500 annual billable-hour expectation.
• Fully covered health insurance.
• Hybrid schedule with approximately 3 days per week in the office.
• No EPLI/insurance carrier work.