Associate Attorney

About the Role

This is the role most associates wait a decade for. At Shegerian & Associates, you own your cases from day one, arguing motions, taking depositions, and preparing for trial alongside some of the most respected employment litigators in California. We represent workers who have been wrongfully terminated, harassed, and discriminated against. The stakes are personal, the advocacy is aggressive, and the results are record-setting.

"Carney Shegerian doesn't just give you work. He teaches you how to think, how to fight, and how to win. You'll be part of verdicts and landmark rulings you'll be proud of for the rest of your career."

Responsibilities

• Take full autonomy over cases from inception through trial
• Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial briefs
• Take and defend depositions
• Appear in court for hearings and motion practice
• Communicate directly with clients and contribute meaningfully to case strategy
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations
• Prepare for trial and gain second chair experience
• Contribute to emerging California employment case law

Mentorship & Development

The training you won't find anywhere else. Associates receive structured, intentional development built around real-world excellence.

• One-on-One Mentorship: Direct, ongoing guidance from Carney and senior partners—not delegated to a mid-level associate.
• Regular Workshops: Practical training sessions covering deposition technique, trial strategy, courtroom presence, and jury persuasion.
• Be Part of History: Work on cases that set California precedent. Your wins will be cited by courts for years to come.
• A Clear Path to Excellence: We promote from within and build careers intentionally. The trajectory from associate to elite trial lawyer is defined, not vague.

Why Shegerian & Associates

High expectations. Genuine support. You won't find a more passionate, driven team. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the people around you will push you to be better. We are mission-driven, team-first, and unapologetically plaintiff-side. We believe in protecting employees' rights not just as a practice area, but as a calling.

"At Shegerian & Associates, you're surrounded by people who are genuinely invested in your success, colleagues who challenge you, staff who have your back, and leadership that makes time for you."

World-Class Support Staff

Focus on the law. We handle the rest. You are backed by an exceptional support team that eliminates administrative friction—no missed deadlines, service delays, or calendar chaos—so you can stay focused on winning for your clients.

Requirements

• Active California Bar member with 1-7 years of litigation experience (employment law background preferred, but hunger to try cases and grow matters most)
• Precision and confidence in writing and arguing
• Ability to own a caseload
• Genuine draw to the courtroom, not just the conference room
• Trial or substantial trial-prep experience (a strong plus, not a dealbreaker)

Benefits

• Compensation: Base salary of $150,000–$170,000, plus settlement commissions up to 6.5% per case (many associates out-earn peers at BigLaw and comparable plaintiff firms)
• Ownership & Advancement: Merit-based path to advancement with real shareholder opportunities—no arbitrary timelines or politics
• Professional Development: Bar dues, MCLEs, and referral bonuses covered by the firm
• Culture: Firm-sponsored social and networking events that build real relationships
• Workplace: Hybrid
• Industry-Leading Benefits:
  • Firm pays 100% of premiums for dental and vision
  • Firm pays 100% of all Silver-level medical plans
  • Firm contributes approximately 10% toward retirement (3% Safe Harbor + 7% Profit Sharing)
  • $500 annual FSA contribution
• Time for Life:
  • 80 hours of PTO (additional 40 hours on 3rd anniversary)
  • Sick pay
  • Your birthday off as a fully paid day