Labor & Employment Associate Attorney

Job Description Job Description Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join a highly respected national law firm. Locations: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Madison, Milwaukee, New York, Orlando, San Diego, Tampa Practice Area: Labor & Employment Litigation & Counseling Overview: This is an opportunity for a 3rd–4th year associate to join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice group within a leading Am Law firm. The role offers exposure to a broad range of complex employment litigation, counseling matters, and expedited injunctive proceedings in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Position Overview: The successful candidate will have hands-on experience across a wide spectrum of labor and employment matters, including injunction and restraining order proceedings, restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, wage and hour class actions, union-related matters, and single-plaintiff employment disputes. The role also includes advisory and counseling work, providing a well-rounded litigation and client-service experience. Key Responsibilities: Handle temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction proceedings Litigate trade secret misappropriation and noncompete matters Assist with wage and hour class and collective actions Support union negotiations, OSHA matters, and employment counseling work Manage discovery, motion practice, and drafting of pleadings and court filings Participate in trial preparation, hearings, settlement conferences, and negotiations Collaborate closely with partners and clients on active matters Qualifications: 3–4 years of labor & employment litigation experience Experience with expedited injunctive relief, employment litigation, and discovery/motion practice required Strong legal writing and research skills Trial preparation and courtroom exposure preferred Excellent interpersonal skills, team orientation, and strong work ethic Top academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school Active bar membership in good standing; admission in the relevant jurisdiction required or to be obtained promptly Compensation: Expected salary range: $260,000 – $310,000, commensurate with experience This role offers the opportunity to join a high-performing and collegial Labor & Employment group with significant courtroom exposure and a broad, sophisticated national practice.