Employment Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Associate to join an esteemed Am Law 100 firm in San Diego. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a premier team of employment attorneys advising clients on complex workplace matters and representing them in high-stakes litigation.

About the Firm

The firm is recognized for its deep expertise in employment law, offering comprehensive counsel on federal, state, and local employment regulations across various industries. Its attorneys handle employment litigation, compliance matters, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings, in addition to advising on employee benefits, deferred compensation, and equity-based compensation plans.

Key Responsibilities

The associate will play a critical role in the firm’s employment law practice, working with a team of experienced attorneys on a wide range of matters, including:

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Representing employers in employment-related litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

• Managing cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, non-compete agreements, and breach of contract matters.

• Handling all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions practice, and trial preparation.

• Assisting with arbitration and mediation proceedings as part of the firm’s robust ADR practice.

Advisory & Compliance:

• Providing day-to-day counseling to employers on compliance with California and federal employment laws.

• Advising clients on hiring practices, employee classifications, wage and hour laws, workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, and terminations.

• Developing and implementing workplace policies and strategies to mitigate legal risk.

Drafting & Policy Development:

• Drafting employment policies, handbooks, and compliance guidelines tailored to client needs.

• Preparing employment-related agreements, including offer letters, employment contracts, separation agreements, and restrictive covenants.

Investigations & Training:

• Conducting internal workplace investigations into allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related issues.

• Delivering training programs to employers on topics such as diversity and inclusion, anti-harassment policies, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Admission to the California Bar (or eligibility for admission).

• Minimum of two years of experience practicing employment law.

• Strong litigation skills, including experience in motion practice, depositions, and case strategy development.

• Familiarity with California labor and employment laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Labor Code, and wage and hour regulations.

• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Work Environment

The firm values collaboration and mentorship, with an expectation that attorneys work in the office approximately 60% of the time, in accordance with the firm’s hybrid work policy.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $235,000 – $260,000 (bonus eligible).

• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement plan with firm contributions.

• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate seeking to advance their career in employment law while working with a highly regarded legal team.