LABOR & EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY  – Hybrid 

(Of Counsel or Partner Level)

Hybrid in Oakland | Other office location available in San Diego | Full time | $205,000 – $270,000+ [DOE] (Higher compensation available for partner-level candidates) | Exempt

ABOUT THE ROLE

A respected California law firm is seeking an experienced Labor & Employment Attorney at the Of Counsel or Partner level to join its expanding employment practice. This role offers the opportunity to lead sophisticated employment litigation matters while advising public and private employers on complex workplace issues. You will manage high‑impact cases, conduct workplace investigations, support labor relations matters, and serve as a strategic advisor on California and federal employment law compliance.

Senior employment attorneys often face pain points such as unsustainable billable hour demands, lack of autonomy, limited trial opportunities, inconsistent support staff, and minimal influence over client strategy. This role is intentionally designed to provide reasonable billable expectations, strong litigation support, leadership opportunities, and meaningful influence over client counseling and case strategy—all within a collaborative, well‑resourced practice.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE!

• Hybrid work schedule
• Competitive health insurance
• 401(k) with partial employer match
• Profit-sharing program
• Annual discretionary bonus opportunities
• Billable hours bonus program
• Reasonable billable hour expectations
• Opportunity to lead complex litigation and advisory matters
• Strong support from experienced attorneys and professional staff
• Collaborative, inclusive practice culture

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Manage all phases of complex employment litigation from strategy through resolution
• Handle matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour claims, and class/collective actions
• Draft pleadings, motions, legal memoranda, and litigation documents
• Conduct and defend depositions
• Manage discovery and witness preparation
• Prepare EEOC position statements and California Civil Rights Department responses
• Conduct workplace investigations and witness interviews
• Represent clients in trials, arbitrations, hearings, and administrative proceedings
• Advise employers on California and federal employment law compliance
• Counsel clients on ADA/FEHA, disability accommodations, FMLA/CFRA, PDL, leave administration, and wage/hour compliance
• Provide guidance on employee relations and labor relations matters
• Support labor negotiations, grievance proceedings, and labor arbitrations

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT

• Active California Bar membership
• 7+ years of employment litigation experience
• Significant experience with discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage/hour matters
• Strong deposition, motion practice, and discovery management experience
• Trial and/or arbitration experience
• Deep knowledge of California employment law
• Experience advising employers on compliance and workplace policies
• Labor relations or employee relations experience
• Excellent analytical, research, writing, and client counseling skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team-oriented environment

Preferred

• Experience handling wage and hour class or collective actions
• Experience with EEOC and California Civil Rights Department responses
• Background in workplace investigations
• Experience with labor negotiations, grievances, and labor arbitrations
• Familiarity with MMBA, PERB, and NLRB proceedings
• Demonstrated ability to develop and grow client relationships

ABOUT THE FIRM

This California-based law firm is known for its sophisticated litigation practice, strong client relationships, and commitment to excellence in public and private sector representation. The firm fosters a collaborative environment where attorneys have the autonomy to lead complex matters while benefiting from a deep bench of experienced colleagues. With reasonable billable expectations, modern resources, and a supportive leadership team, attorneys can grow their practice while maintaining balance and long-term career satisfaction.

DISCLOSURES (California)

• Compensation range must be disclosed: $205,000 – $270,000+, with higher potential for partner-level candidates.
• This position is classified as exempt under California law.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• California Pay Transparency requirements satisfied by including salary range.
• Reasonable accommodations available for applicants with disabilities.

Reference #: BSS 26-00326