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Job Description

Job DescriptionEmployment Litigation Associate Attorney (Class Action Focus)
Locations: Los Angeles, CA or San Francisco, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Litigation Associate Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law firm's nationally recognized Employment Practice in Los Angeles or San Francisco. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior-level attorney with significant experience handling complex California employment litigation, particularly wage and hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters. The position offers substantial client contact, meaningful responsibility, and the opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-profile litigation for leading employers.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of complex employment litigation in state and federal courts, with a primary focus on wage and hour class actions and PAGA representative actions.
• Develop litigation strategy, assess risk exposure, and advise clients on case strategy and settlement options.
• Draft and argue substantive motions, including motions to compel arbitration, class certification motions, dispositive motions, and appellate briefs.
• Take and defend depositions, including plaintiffs, fact witnesses, corporate representatives, and expert witnesses.
• Oversee written discovery, document review, and all aspects of case management.
• Represent clients in mediations, settlement negotiations, arbitrations, hearings, and court appearances.
• Advise clients on California employment law compliance, risk mitigation, and workplace-related issues.
• Collaborate with partners and litigation teams on sophisticated employment matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, trade secrets, and other workplace disputes.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to the development of the litigation team.
• Support business development initiatives and help strengthen client relationships.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the California Bar.
• 5+ years of employment litigation experience in a law firm setting.
• Significant experience handling California wage and hour class actions and PAGA litigation.
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and class action procedures.
• Experience independently managing complex litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Proven ability to take and defend depositions and handle court appearances independently.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and case management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional client service and collaborative teamwork.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers the chance to work on sophisticated employment litigation matters alongside a highly regarded team in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. Attorneys enjoy significant client exposure, meaningful responsibility, strong mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a clear path for long-term professional growth while representing employers in some of California's most complex employment disputes.

Compensation: $310,000 – $330,000, commensurate with experience, plus bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package.