Employment Litigation Associate

Location:
California (Hybrid – 3 days in office)

Practice Area:
Employment Litigation (Defense)

Overview

We are partnering with a
top-tier litigation boutique
to hire an Employment Litigation Associate to join its growing California practice. This is a high-level opportunity for attorneys who want sophisticated employment litigation work
without a traditional billable hour requirement
, and with compensation tied to performance rather than class year.

The firm is known for its collaborative culture, excellent mentorship, and strong investment in its attorneys' long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Handle employment litigation matters on the
  defense side
  from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal memoranda
• Take and defend depositions
• Manage cases independently with appropriate partner support
• Develop litigation strategy and work directly with clients
• Collaborate closely with partners and other attorneys on complex matters

Qualifications

• 4+ years of employment litigation experience
  (flexible based on depth and quality of experience)
• Primary experience on the
  defense side
  strongly preferred
• Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage cases from start to finish
• Strong communication skills and sound professional judgment
• Collaborative mindset and stable employment history

Preferred (Not Required)

• AmLaw 100 experience
• J.D. from a Top 30 law school, or Top 30–50 with honors (e.g., magna/cum laude) and law journal experience
• Judicial clerkship experience
• Active California bar admission (non-CA candidates considered if eligible for or actively pursuing CA admission)

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary ranges (DOE):

• $200,000–$280,000 for 2020–2021 graduates
• $260,000–$340,000 for 2017–2019 graduates
• Not lockstep
  — salary increases and bonuses are performance-based
• Mid-year bonuses tied to firm performance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office)
• No formal billable hour requirement

Why This Opportunity

• No traditional billable hour requirement
• Sophisticated employment litigation work
• High level of autonomy with strong partner mentorship
• Performance-driven compensation model
• Collegial, high-caliber team environment
• Long-term growth potential within the firm

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or reach out directly for a
confidential discussion
.