Location: Hybrid – Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, or San Diego, California

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Apply today — interviews are already underway and the hiring team is actively shortlisting candidates.

About the Opportunity

Our client, a well-established national litigation defense firm, is expanding its employment law practice and seeking a skilled Employment Litigation Associate to join their Southern California team.

This role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact employment defense matters including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage & hour disputes, and complex workplace litigation. You will manage cases from inception through resolution, working alongside experienced trial attorneys in a collaborative environment.

The position is ideal for attorneys who want meaningful courtroom exposure, strong mentorship, and long-term growth within a respected litigation practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Defend employers in employment-related litigation matters including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage & hour claims
• Manage litigation cases from initial pleadings through trial or resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, and legal briefs
• Conduct and manage discovery, including responding to and propounding written discovery
• Take and defend depositions
• Prepare motions and support mediation and trial preparation
• Maintain proactive communication with clients throughout litigation
• Ensure accurate case reporting and compliance with client case-management requirements

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of California
• 1–10 years of litigation experience (target range: 2–5 years post-bar)
• Employment law litigation experience is required
• Defense-side litigation experience required (plaintiff-side experience alone will not qualify)
• Strong experience managing discovery in complex litigation matters
• Experience drafting and arguing motions
• Deposition experience (taking and defending)
• Experience with timekeeping and billing for client matters
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and caseloads

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to both single-plaintiff and class action employment cases

What's in It for You

• Compensation: $125,000 – $195,000 base salary (depending on experience)
• Performance-based bonus structure with strong earning potential
• Hybrid work model across multiple Southern California offices
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Disability and life coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Flexible spending accounts
• Specialized litigation training and mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Opportunities to participate in mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Clear pathway for career advancement within a nationally recognized litigation practice

Immediate hiring need.

If you are a California-licensed employment litigation attorney with defense experience, we want to hear from you.

Apply now or message YES to receive full details and be considered for the next interview round.