Litigation Associate Attorney (Labor & Employment)

About the role

The Firm is an innovative provider of sophisticated legal services to dynamic businesses and business owners, individuals, emerging companies, and nonprofits. Located in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, more than 80 attorneys assist clients throughout California with business and litigation needs, including corporate law, finance and tax law, labor and employment, real estate, intellectual property, entertainment, and digital media. The ideal candidate will have experience defending employers in wage and hour matters (including PAGA and class actions), including experience calculating damages. The candidate should also have experience defending discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims in court, arbitration, and before administrative agencies (including the Labor Commissioner and the EEOC).

Responsibilities

• Handle litigation matters through all phases, including pre-litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, law and motion practice, mediation, trial preparation, and post-trial proceedings
• Draft high-quality pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery requests and responses, including dispositive motions such as demurrers and motions for summary judgment
• Participate in conducting and defending depositions, preparing witnesses for depositions and hearings, and respond to written discovery requests
• Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and arbitrations
• Support matters involving complex employment matters, including wage and hour class actions, PAGA representative actions, and various other employment disputes
• Assist shareholders advising employer clients on a range of employment law compliance issues, including conducting legal research, participating in pre-litigation investigations (including witness interviews), and reviewing and drafting employee policies and handbooks
• Collaborate closely with partners to develop litigation strategy and advance cases toward resolution
• Prepare matters for mediation and trial, including developing case themes, coordinating key tasks, and collaborating with experts as needed
• Communicate regularly with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and third-party vendors to advance cases efficiently

Education and experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar
• 3-6 years of litigation experience; preferably in both employment and business litigation
• Experience with wage and hour disputes, class actions, and PAGA matters is required
• Experience reviewing and revising employee handbooks is strongly preferred
• Exposure to taking and defending depositions, preparing for hearings and trials, and participating in mediations and arbitrations is preferred
• Demonstrated skill in legal research, drafting, and oral advocacy
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative and client-focused approach
• Demonstrated ability and drive to take responsibility for routine and increasingly complex matters with minimal supervision
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is Firm policy to provide equal opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, veteran status, or any other class protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. It is the intent of the Firm to comply with all applicable federal and state laws with respect to fair employment practices. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with a known disability or medical condition or for an employee’s religious beliefs provided the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to the Firm. Any applicant or employee with a qualifying disability or medical condition, or a religious practice, that requires an accommodation in order for the employee to perform the essential function of his or her job, should contact the Human Resources to discuss it further so the Firm can determine if a reasonable accommodation exists and can be provided.

Pay

Salary range: $165,000-$210,000 (based upon years of experience)