Labor & Employment Associate - Big Law

About the JobAs a former Big Law Capital Markets associate, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the lateral market without clear guidance. I went through the process myself and ultimately lateraled to an AmLaw 5 firm, which gives me a practical perspective on what actually matters to firms and how associates can position themselves effectively.I’m currently recruiting for a Cravath-scale AmLaw 100 firm seeking a Labor & Employment Associate (3–6+ years) to join the firm’s New York office.Key Qualifications3–6+ years of labor & employment experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or elite boutiqueExperience handling employment litigation, counseling, and/or internal investigationsJD from a top law school with strong academic credentialsExperience drafting and arguing motions, managing discovery, taking/defending depositions, and advising on employment policies and agreementsAdmitted in New YorkExperience Required in any of the following Practice Areas:Employment litigation, including single-plaintiff matters (discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination) and complex wage & hour/class and collective actionsHandling matters from pre-litigation through resolution, including administrative charges (EEOC, DOL), internal investigations, and court proceedingsDrafting and arguing substantive motions, managing discovery, and taking/defending depositionsDay-to-day advice and counseling on employment issues, including terminations, reductions in force, leaves of absence, accommodations, discipline, and workplace policiesDrafting and negotiating employment-related agreements, including offer letters, employment agreements, separation agreements, and restrictive covenant agreements (non-competes, non-solicits, trade secrets)Advising on employee mobility and trade secret mattersSupporting corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity deals, through employment diligence, drafting ancillary agreements, and advising on workforce-related risksExperience with internal investigations and responding to government or agency inquiriesExposure to traditional labor matters (e.g., collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, NLRB matters) is a plusDesired CompetenciesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilityExceptional attention to detail and sound judgmentAbility to manage matters independently and run day-to-day aspects of casesProfessionalism, strong client-service orientation, and commercial awarenessCompensationBase salary: $260,000 to $435,000, Cravath scale and class-year dependentBonus range: $50,000 to $130,000, based on performance and seniorityAbout PathfinderAt Pathfinder, I've built our process entirely around the candidate experience, not just firm demand. Since leaving practice, I've helped associates nationwide secure multiple Cravath-scale offers at top firms.In Q4 2025 alone, we've placed numerous associates at AmLaw 100 firms and continue to see strong hiring momentum across corporate practices.If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity in NYC, or if you simply want candid guidance from someone who has been in your position, feel free to reach out or apply directly. All inquiries are confidential.