Labor And Employment Attorney

A leading global law firm is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate (2–4 years’ experience) to join its Orange County office. This opportunity sits within a highly regarded labor and employment practice that advises major domestic and international employers on complex workplace matters, high-stakes litigation, and day-to-day employment counseling.

This role offers the chance to work on sophisticated employment litigation and advisory matters alongside experienced practitioners representing companies across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, and life sciences.

Associates in this group gain exposure to complex wage-and-hour disputes, class and representative actions, workplace investigations, and strategic employment counseling, while working in a collaborative environment that prioritizes professional development and client impact.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will play an active role in employment litigation and advisory work for corporate clients facing complex workplace issues. This includes assisting with litigation strategy, managing discovery, drafting motions and pleadings, and advising clients on compliance with evolving federal and California employment laws.

Given California’s uniquely complex employment landscape, the role provides meaningful opportunities to work on high-profile litigation matters, particularly those involving wage-and-hour claims and representative actions.

Associates will work closely with partners and senior attorneys while also engaging directly with clients on legal strategy, compliance considerations, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities for this role may include:

• Representing employers in employment-related litigation in state and federal courts
• Working on class actions and representative claims, including matters brought under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
• Drafting motions, pleadings, and legal memoranda
• Managing discovery processes, including document review, production, and depositions
• Conducting fact investigations related to employment disputes or workplace complaints
• Supporting workplace investigations and internal compliance reviews
• Advising employers on employment law compliance, including wage-and-hour issues, workplace policies, and risk mitigation
• Assisting with pre-litigation dispute resolution, including demand responses and settlement discussions
• Collaborating with colleagues across offices on complex and multi-jurisdictional employment matters

Candidate Requirements

Qualified candidates will typically have:

• 2–4 years of experience practicing labor and employment law at a large law firm
• Experience handling employment litigation matters
• Strong academic credentials from a recognized law school
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Active membership in the California Bar

Preferred Experience

The ideal candidate will also have experience with:

• Class action and representative litigation, particularly PAGA matters
• Single-plaintiff employment litigation
• Fact investigations and internal workplace reviews
• Employment counseling for corporate clients
• Drafting and arguing motions in employment-related disputes

Compensation

For positions in California, the base salary range is $225,000 – $435,000.

Actual compensation will be determined during the interview process and may vary based on factors including:

• Prior legal experience
• Relevant expertise
• Current market conditions
• Business needs

Total compensation may include additional benefits and incentive opportunities.

Benefits

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan eligibility
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
• Parental leave
• Additional wellness and financial benefits depending on eligibility and position offered

Further details regarding benefit participation will be provided upon offer of employment.

Work Environment

This position is based in the firm’s Orange County office, working alongside attorneys in a collaborative and nationally integrated Labor & Employment practice.

Hybrid work arrangements may be available in accordance with firm policy.

Why Join This Firm

• Market-Leading Labor & Employment Practice - Work alongside experienced attorneys handling some of the most complex employment litigation and advisory matters affecting major employers.
• Exposure to High-Impact California Employment Matters - California’s employment laws are among the most dynamic and complex in the country, offering associates significant opportunities to build sophisticated litigation experience.
• Global Platform and Diverse Client Base - The firm represents multinational corporations, emerging companies, and industry leaders across numerous sectors.
• Strong Training and Mentorship Culture - Associates benefit from hands-on experience, partner mentorship, and structured professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and Entrepreneurial Environment - The firm emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and a culture that encourages associates to take ownership of their work and client relationships

Interested? Apply with your resume and we will be in touch to discuss the role and firm further.