Employment Litigation Associate Attorney (Defense)

Employment Associate AttorneyLos Angeles, California | Palo Alto, California | San Diego, California | San Francisco, CaliforniaDirect Counsel is seeking an Employment Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law firm in one of its California offices, with opportunities available in Los Angeles, Palo Alto, San Diego, and San Francisco. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 2+ years of labor and employment experience who is looking to build a sophisticated practice spanning both high-stakes litigation and day-to-day counseling matters.The ideal candidate will have strong experience handling a broad range of California employment matters, including wage and hour class, collective, and PAGA actions, as well as single-plaintiff litigation and strategic advice and counsel work. This role offers meaningful client interaction, substantive responsibility, and exposure to complex workplace issues for high-profile employers.Key ResponsibilitiesDefend wage and hour class, collective, and PAGA actionsHandle single-plaintiff employment litigationAdvise on meal and rest break claimsManage misclassification and off-the-clock disputesCounsel clients on bonus, commission, and wage payment issuesDefend claims involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful terminationAdvise on restrictive covenants and employee mobility mattersSupport reductions in force and workforce restructuringsDraft and negotiate employment, separation, and severance agreementsCounsel employers on employee policies, trainings, leave issues, and compensation practicesQualifications2+ years of labor and employment experienceStrong knowledge of California Labor Code and federal employment lawsExperience defending class actions, collective actions, and PAGA claimsPractice experience before state and federal courts and administrative agenciesExcellent legal research, writing, drafting, and litigation management skillsStrong written and verbal communicationDemonstrated business judgment and client counseling abilityActive California Bar admission requiredTrial experience highly preferred Compensation$235,000 - $365,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.