Our firm is partnering with a large international law firm to hire a Mid to Senior Employment & Labor Associate Attorney to join its team in California. The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years of employment litigation experience, particularly in wage and hour class actions, PAGA claims, and FEHA matters. This is a great opportunity for an attorney seeking to work on complex employment litigation and provide strategic advice to major employers across multiple industries.

Our firm is built on the foundations of thinking differently. Curious, inquisitive and unbound by tradition, we’re building change within our sector and beyond.

It starts with our people, which is why we need an Employment & Labor Associate with 5–8 years of litigation experience, specifically in wage and hour class actions, Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims, and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) matters. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in defending employers in complex employment litigation and advising clients on compliance strategies to mitigate risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of employment litigation, including case strategy, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.

• Defend employers in wage and hour class actions and PAGA representative claims in both state and federal courts.

• Handle FEHA claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

• Conduct wage and hour audits and exposure analyses.

• Represent clients before administrative agencies, including the EEOC, DFEH, and DLSE.

• Draft and argue dispositive motions, including motions to dismiss and for summary judgment.

• Provide strategic counseling to employers on employment policies, arbitration agreements, and compliance practices.

• Collaborate with clients in diverse sectors, including retail, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and staffing.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

• Licensed to practice in California.

• 5+ years of labor and employment litigation experience.

• Proven success defending class actions and PAGA claims.

• Experience handling FEHA litigation and administrative proceedings.

• Strong analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

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

• Commitment to client service and practical problem-solving.

• Experience taking and defending depositions and defeating class certification is highly valued.

Additional Details

• Hybrid flexibility available, located in Santa Monica, CA

• Opportunity to work alongside a highly regarded national labor and employment team.

• Compensation range (based on experience): $250,000 – $355,000 annually.