Labor and Employment Associate Attorney

Labor & Employment Associate

Location: Irvine, CA

Salary Range: $310,000 - $395,000

A nationally recognized employer-side labor and employment practice is seeking an associate with a JD year of 2020-2022 to join its Orange County office. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated California employment matters for public companies, private equity-backed businesses, healthcare organizations, and middle-market employers.

The practice combines high-stakes litigation with strategic counseling, providing associates with meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, and exposure to some of the most challenging employment issues facing California employers.

Key Responsibilities:
• Defend employers in single-plaintiff employment litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and whistleblower claims
• Handle wage and hour class actions, PAGA representative actions, and misclassification disputes
• Draft and argue motions, manage discovery, and participate in depositions, mediations, and court appearances
• Advise employers on workplace policies, employee relations matters, investigations, and compliance issues
• Assist with trade secret, restrictive covenant, and employee mobility disputes
• Work directly with business leaders, HR professionals, and in-house counsel on day-to-day employment matters

Qualifications:
• JD earned between 2020 and 2022
• 3-5 years of labor and employment experience at a law firm
• Experience handling California employment litigation, including wage and hour or PAGA matters
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• California Bar admission required
• Experience with employment counseling and workplace investigations is a plus

What the Role Offers:
• Sophisticated employer-side labor and employment practice
• Significant motion practice and litigation responsibility
• Direct client interaction and counseling opportunities
• Exposure to both litigation and preventive employment advice
• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate seeking a balanced labor and employment practice with meaningful responsibility, strong mentorship, and a pathway for long-term professional growth.