Employment Law Associate

San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA | Sacramento, CA
Full-Time | Base Salary: $260,000 to $365,000 annually

About the Role

We are seeking an Employment Law Associate with three to five years of litigation experience to join an employment practice in Northern California.

This mid-level attorney will handle pre-litigation disputes, single-plaintiff employment cases, systemic discrimination matters, wage and hour class actions, and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) representative actions. The role offers direct interaction with corporate clients and meaningful responsibility for case management, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, and mediations. The associate will also respond to administrative charges and counsel clients on employment issues.

Responsibilities

• Handle pre-litigation employment disputes and assist clients in evaluating claims, legal risks, and resolution strategies.
• Represent clients in single-plaintiff employment litigation, systemic discrimination matters, wage and hour class actions, and PAGA representative actions.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Prepare for and appear at hearings, argue motions, and participate in mediations.
• Respond to administrative charges and prepare supporting factual and legal submissions.
• Manage case deadlines, discovery activities, and litigation workstreams in coordination with partners and other attorneys.
• Counsel corporate clients on employment issues and provide practical recommendations aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct legal research and analyze factual records to support litigation strategy and client advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues while independently managing assignments appropriate to a mid-level associate.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of litigation experience at a peer law firm.
• Membership in the California State Bar.
• Exceptional academic credentials.
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work directly with corporate clients.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, organize complex matters, and produce accurate work product.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Practical judgment, initiative, and a creative approach to resolving legal issues.
• Ability to work from the San Francisco, Menlo Park, or Sacramento office.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience handling employment litigation and advising employers.
• Experience with California wage and hour claims, class actions, or PAGA representative actions.
• Experience responding to administrative charges.
• Experience taking and defending depositions, arguing motions, appearing in court, and participating in mediations.
• Experience managing significant litigation workstreams and maintaining direct client relationships.

Compensation

• Expected annual base salary of $260,000 to $365,000.
• Compensation within the range depends on qualifications, relevant experience or education, skills, expertise, and geographic location.
• Potential annual discretionary merit bonus based on firm and individual performance.