Jobs · Legal · Illinois

Employment Litigation Attorney

Syntax Talent Solutions · Chicago, IL · 1 wk ago
HybridLegalFull-time

About the Role

Step into a practice where you'll handle sophisticated employment disputes for a diverse employer client base and play a visible role in shaping case strategy from day one. This is an opportunity to join a team that values sharp advocacy, practical counselling, and the ability to manage complex wage and hour and employment matters with autonomy.

You will serve as a key employment litigation associate with a focus on wage and hour matters, while also handling a broad mix of discrimination, harassment, and leave-related claims. Working closely with partners, you will drive cases from intake through resolution and provide day-to-day counselling on general employment law issues. Your work will have a direct impact on risk management, compliance, and litigation outcomes for employer clients across multiple industries.

Responsibilities

  • Manage wage and hour litigation matters, including single-plaintiff and class/collective actions, from pleadings through discovery, motion practice, and resolution.
  • Handle discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims under Title VII and related federal and state laws, including drafting and responding to charges, complaints, and position statements.
  • Conduct and defend depositions, prepare witnesses, and support or handle hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences.
  • Draft dispositive and other substantive motions, legal memoranda, and briefs in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies.
  • Provide day-to-day advice and counseling to employer clients on ADA, FMLA, wage and hour compliance, and general employment law issues.
  • Assist with employment-related investigations, fact development, and risk assessments, including reviewing and analyzing personnel documents and policies.
  • Support labor-related matters as needed, excluding union/NLRA-centered work, such as policy review, discipline/termination decisions, and workforce changes.

Requirements

  • Strong experience in wage and hour litigation, including hands-on responsibility for case management and motion practice.
  • Demonstrated background in handling discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims under Title VII and analogous state laws.
  • Experience advising on ADA and FMLA issues, including accommodation and leave management.
  • Solid litigation skills, including drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, and participating in depositions and negotiations.
  • Proven ability to interact directly with clients, manage multiple matters simultaneously, and exercise sound judgment under deadlines.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills with attention to detail and strategic thinking.

Skills

  • Exposure to class and collective wage and hour actions, including certification and settlement strategy.
  • Experience appearing in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies such as the EEOC and state fair employment agencies.
  • Familiarity with broader labor and employment issues affecting multi-state employers.
  • Prior experience in a law firm with a dedicated employment or labor and employment practice group.

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Admission in good standing to at least one state bar, with the ability to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
  • 2-6 years of post-qualification experience focused on employment litigation, with a significant wage and hour component.
  • Strong academic credentials and a track record of responsibility and progression in employment litigation roles.

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