Employment Litigation Associate & Counseling

We are seeking a mid-level associate to join our Employment Law Practice in San Francisco, CA, Newport Beach, CA, or West Palm Beach, FL. The role focuses on litigation across both plaintiff and defense matters, complemented by substantive employer and employee counseling. This position is ideal for an attorney with employment litigation experience who is seeking early ownership of matters, direct client interaction, and meaningful responsibility in advising clients on risk mitigation, compliance, and strategic personnel decisions. The Practice You will support - and, as appropriate, take lead responsibility in - matters that include: Employment Litigation: Single-plaintiff claims involving discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Wage & Hour: Class and representative wage and hour litigation. Executive & Professional Disputes: Compensation, equity, separation agreements, and restrictive covenants. Trade Secrets: Protection of trade secrets and resolution of unfair competition disputes within the employment context. Dispute Resolution: Representing employers and employees in state and federal court, arbitration, and administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. Advisory & Counseling: Employer-side counseling on compliance, internal investigations, disciplinary actions, terminations, wage practices, and policy drafting; and employee-side counseling on compensation structures, separation negotiations, and claims evaluation. Note: Matters regularly involve complex statutory frameworks under California and federal law, expedited proceedings, and significant financial and personal stakes.

Key Responsibilities

Manage cases and discrete litigation components with increasing independence. Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, written discovery, and substantive legal briefs. Conduct and defend depositions. Appear at court hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences. Provide strategic litigation and pre-litigation advice to both employers and employees. Conduct workplace investigations and assist with internal assessments as needed. Maintain direct communication with clients, opposing counsel, and agency representatives. Qualifications & Requirements Experience: 3 to 6 years of solid employment litigation experience in state and/or federal court. Background: Experience handling both plaintiff- and defense-side employment matters is strongly preferred. Core Skills: Proven track record with dispositive motions, discovery management, strong legal research, and persuasive writing. Knowledge: Working knowledge of California employment statutes and civil procedure. Bar Admission: Active membership in the California Bar (or the ability to obtain admission promptly). What We Offer Balanced Practice: A dynamic mix of plaintiff and defense employment litigation paired with substantive counseling work. Professional Growth: Early ownership of matters, meaningful responsibility, and direct client exposure. Environment: A rigorous, collaborative, and practice-driven environment. Compensation & Flexibility: Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, alongside hybrid schedule flexibility to support client and practice needs.