Associate Attorney - Labor and Employment

About the role

An established law firm with more than 50 years in practice is seeking an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience to join its Albany, New York office. This position will focus primarily on labor and employment counseling, collective bargaining, workplace investigations, employment litigation, and administrative proceedings, while also supporting the firm’s municipal law, public-sector governance, and related litigation matters. The role offers meaningful client contact, sophisticated legal work, and the opportunity to collaborate with experienced attorneys representing public and private-sector clients throughout New York State.

Responsibilities

• Counsel public and private-sector employers regarding labor and employment laws, workplace policies, employee relations, personnel decisions, and regulatory compliance
• Represent clients in employment litigation, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, and other dispute-resolution forums
• Assist with collective bargaining negotiations, labor grievances, disciplinary proceedings, and union-related matters
• Conduct and support workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct allegations, and policy violations
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, position statements, legal memoranda, employment agreements, workplace policies, and related documents
• Advise municipal clients regarding governance, public employment, local laws, contracts, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operational matters
• Attend municipal board meetings, administrative hearings, court appearances, client meetings, and negotiations as needed
• Analyze federal, New York State, and local legal developments affecting employers and municipal entities
• Develop case strategies, manage discovery, prepare witnesses, and collaborate with partners and other attorneys throughout all stages of a matter
• Maintain direct and responsive communication with clients while providing practical, business-oriented legal guidance

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing
• 3+ years of relevant experience in civil litigation (ideally in labor and employment law, municipal law or a related practice area)
• Experience advising employers on workplace policies, employee relations, disciplinary matters, wage and hour issues, leave requirements, and compliance obligations
• Familiarity with public-sector labor relations, collective bargaining, administrative proceedings, or municipal operations is preferred
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines while maintaining close attention to detail
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, government officials, and colleagues
• Commitment to delivering practical, responsive, and high-quality legal counsel

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• Professional development and continuing legal education support
• Bar association and professional membership support
• Opportunity for long-term professional growth and advancement

Pay

• Salary range: $100,000–$150,000+, contingent on experience
• Performance-based and discretionary bonuses