Labor & Employment Associate

ABOUT THE ROLE

A sophisticated San Francisco labor and employment practice is seeking a mid-level associate to represent employers in high-stakes workplace disputes and provide practical day-to-day counseling. The work includes discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage-and-hour, wrongful termination, restrictive covenant, and other employment matters, with exposure to both litigation and preventative advice. Associates take meaningful ownership of cases, work directly with clients, conduct depositions, and develop strategy alongside experienced employment attorneys. Compensation ranges from $210,000-$320,000, depending on experience.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Defend employers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage-and-hour, and other workplace litigation
• Handle matters in California state and federal courts and before relevant administrative agencies
• Take and defend depositions, manage discovery, draft dispositive motions, and participate in hearings, mediations, and trial preparation
• Counsel employers on terminations, accommodations, leave issues, workplace policies, employee relations, and compliance matters
• Support workplace investigations and advise clients on sensitive personnel issues before they develop into litigation
• Communicate directly with clients and take increasing responsibility for litigation strategy and day-to-day matter management

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the California Bar
• 3–6 years of labor and employment experience at a law firm
• Experience defending employers in California employment litigation
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Deposition, motion practice, workplace investigation, or employment counseling experience preferred
• Ability to manage sophisticated matters while providing practical, responsive advice to clients

WHAT WE OFFER

A strong platform for employment attorneys who want to become broader advisors rather than spend their careers handling one narrow piece of litigation. The role offers $210,000-$320,000 in annual compensation, hybrid flexibility, substantive case ownership, direct client relationships, meaningful advocacy experience, and exposure to both litigation and counseling. Associates develop the courtroom skills and practical business judgment needed to become trusted employment counsel.