L&E Associate - Cravath Scale

As a former Big Law associate, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the lateral market without clear guidance. I went through the process myself and ultimately lateraled to an AmLaw 5 firm, which gives me a practical perspective on what actually matters to firms and how candidates can position themselves effectively.

I'm currently recruiting for Cravath-scale AmLaw 100 firms seeking Labor & Employment Associates with 2 to 7 years of experience for their Los Angeles, Austin, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, or Boston offices. These are core seats on management-side employment practices, with openings across employment litigation, employment counseling and advisory work, and employment issues arising in corporate transactions. Specific work depends on the role and office, and includes:

• Employment litigation, including wage and hour class actions, PAGA litigation, and discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims
• Multijurisdictional class and collective action defense and complex employment disputes
• Day-to-day client counseling on terminations, leaves of absence, reductions in force, and policy review and creation
• Trade secret, non-compete, and employee mobility matters
• Employment due diligence and advisory work in connection with M&A and other corporate transactions
• Workplace investigations and alternative dispute resolution

Key Qualifications

• 2 to 7 years of management-side employment experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or elite boutique
• Direct experience in one or more of the following: employment litigation, employment counseling and advisory work, or employment matters in corporate transactions
• JD from a top law school with strong academic credentials
• Admitted in California, Texas, New York, D.C., Massachusetts, or Washington (depending on office), or eligible to waive in

Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to manage discovery, drafting, and fact investigation where litigation is involved
• Sound client counseling instincts and ability to advise on complex compliance issues
• Ability to function smoothly in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment
• Professionalism and sound business judgment

Compensation

Base salary: $235,000 to $420,000, Cravath scale and class-year dependent

Bonus range: $30,000 to $115,000, based on performance and seniority

About Pathfinder

At Pathfinder, I've built our process entirely around the candidate experience, not just firm demand. Since leaving practice, I've helped associates nationwide secure multiple Cravath-scale offers at top firms.

We've placed numerous associates at AmLaw 100 firms and continue to see strong hiring momentum across corporate and labor & employment practices.

If you're interested in learning more about these Labor & Employment opportunities in Los Angeles, Austin, New York, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, or Boston, or if you simply want candid guidance from someone who has been in your position, feel free to reach out through our website at or apply directly. All inquiries are confidential.