Mid-Sr Employment Litigation Associate (5+ yrs) - Portland

Employment Litigation Associate

Our client, a nationally recognized law firm, is seeking a mid-to-senior level Employment Litigation Associate to join its Employment Services practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 5+ years of employment litigation experience who is looking for substantial client contact, sophisticated litigation work, and long-term growth within a collaborative and trial-focused employment practice. The successful candidate will represent employers in a wide range of workplace disputes while serving as a trusted advisor on employment counseling and risk-management matters.

Responsibilities

• Defend employers in state and federal employment litigation matters, including:
  • Discrimination claims
  • Harassment claims
  • Retaliation claims
  • Wage and hour disputes
  • Leave and accommodation matters
  • Wrongful termination claims
  • Restrictive covenant and non-compete disputes
• Manage cases through all stages of litigation, including:
  • Pleadings
  • Discovery
  • Depositions
  • Motion practice
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Trial preparation
• Draft and argue substantive motions, briefs, and other litigation filings
• Conduct legal research and develop strategic litigation recommendations
• Advise employer clients regarding employment law compliance and risk mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices and practice groups
• Participate in business development initiatives and client relationship management
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to team development

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active bar admission in the applicable jurisdiction
• 5+ years of employment litigation experience
• Experience representing employers in state and federal employment disputes
• Strong experience with:
  • Depositions
  • Discovery management
  • Dispositive motions
  • Employment counseling
  • Litigation strategy development
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Strong organizational and project-management abilities
• Demonstrated commitment to client service
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Oregon Bar admission
• Willingness to obtain Oregon Bar admission promptly if not already licensed
• Experience handling sophisticated employment litigation matters for regional or national employers
• Trial preparation and courtroom experience

Why This Opportunity

Our client offers attorneys the opportunity to build a sophisticated employment law practice while working on high-profile employment disputes for leading employers. Attorneys benefit from:

• Significant responsibility and direct client contact
• Exposure to complex employment litigation matters
• Trial-focused experience alongside accomplished litigators
• Strong mentorship and collaborative team culture
• Opportunities for leadership, business development, and career advancement
• A supportive and entrepreneurial work environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $265,000 - $315,000 annually
• Compensation based on experience, training, qualifications, and market considerations
• Eligibility for discretionary annual bonus opportunities

Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commuter and transit benefits
• Voluntary supplemental insurance programs
• Professional development and CLE opportunities