Skip to content

Labour and Employment Associate (Defense-Side)

  • On-site, Hybrid
    • Los Angeles, California, United States
    • Irvine, California, United States
    +1 more
  • $150,000 - $215,000 per year

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a Labor and Employment Associate with 3–7 years of defense-side experience to join our growing team. We are seeking a passionate, team-oriented attorney who is looking for a long-term home to develop their career, gain substantive trial and arbitration experience, and become a key part of our collaborative, family-like culture.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Run active employment defense matters day-to-day, from single-plaintiff cases to PAGA and class actions.

  • Lead discovery, including drafting and arguing motions and taking/defending depositions.

  • Gain significant, hands-on arbitration and trial experience, with opportunities to second-chair and quickly take on more responsibility.

  • Advise and counsel a variety of California employers on complex employment law issues.

  • Work directly with partners and clients, helping to shape case strategy from start to finish.

Job requirements

Key Requirements

  • 3–7 years of post-bar litigation experience in California employment law.

  • Experience must be exclusively on the defense side; no candidates with plaintiff-side experience.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in discovery, motion practice, and case management.

  • Exposure to PAGA and class action litigation is highly preferred.

  • A collaborative, team-player mentality with a genuine passion for employment law and desire for a long-term career path.

Hybrid Work Policy

The Orange County office requires a minimum of 3 days in-office in Irvine, CA. The Los Angeles office is more flexible and remote-friendly.

Visa sponsorship: Not available

Why Candidates Should Join

  • Boutique firm with big law experience: Founded by former AmLaw 100 attorneys who bring sophisticated litigation experience in a collaborative boutique environment.

  • Real trial and arbitration opportunities: Associates regularly second-chair federal jury trials and argue summary judgment motions — not just document review.

  • Clear partnership track: Multiple associates get promoted to senior counsel and partner every year with transparent advancement criteria.

  • Strong work-life balance culture: 1800 billable hour requirement with generous discretionary bonuses and firm-wide retreats in Vegas.

  • Mentorship and development focus: Monthly TADA program for associate development plus dedicated mentor matching with partners.

Interview Process

3 steps

or