Labor and Employment Attorney

Labor & Employment CounselDirect Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Counsel to join a leading global law firm's Labor & Employment practice in San Francisco or Los Angeles. This opportunity is ideal for a senior attorney with 10+ years of employment litigation experience, including substantial experience handling single-plaintiff matters and wage-and-hour class actions.The successful candidate will independently manage a sophisticated caseload, lead litigation strategy, supervise associates and legal staff, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients. This role also offers significant opportunities to contribute to business development and the continued growth of a collaborative, high-performing practice.ResponsibilitiesIndependently manage a full caseload of complex employment litigation matters.Handle all phases of litigation from case inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, trial, and appeal, as appropriate.Serve as lead counsel or day-to-day case manager on significant employment litigation matters.Represent employers in single-plaintiff employment disputes and wage-and-hour class actions.Develop and execute litigation strategy in collaboration with clients and firm leadership.Take and defend depositions and conduct witness preparation.Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions.Appear in court and handle hearings and other courtroom proceedings.Supervise associates, paralegals, and other legal staff.Delegate work effectively while maintaining responsibility for the quality and progress of matters.Serve as a primary client contact and develop strong, long-term client relationships.Provide employment advice and counseling to clients as needed.Manage multiple complex matters, deadlines, and client priorities simultaneously.Contribute to business development initiatives and help expand existing client relationships.Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's broader Labor & Employment and litigation practices.QualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school.10+ years of employment litigation experience.Substantial experience handling single-plaintiff employment matters and wage-and-hour class actions.Significant experience managing complex litigation matters independently.Extensive deposition and courtroom experience, including arguing motions and handling hearings.Demonstrated ability to lead litigation strategy and serve as the primary case manager.Experience supervising and mentoring associates and legal staff.Strong project management and organizational skills.Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.Strong client relationship and communication skills.Experience with employment advice and counseling is preferred.Demonstrated interest and ability in business development and client relationship growth.Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment.Active California Bar admission required.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary of $350,000–$450,000, depending on experience and qualifications.401(k) retirement plan.Medical, dental, and vision insurance.Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.Paid family leave, sick time, and vacation.Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.College savings and education assistance programs.Transportation benefits.Backup childcare and pet insurance.Excess liability insurance.Opportunity to take a leadership role in a sophisticated Labor & Employment practice while handling high-level litigation, developing client relationships, supervising attorneys, and contributing to business development.