Associate Attorney

Overview

A boutique California employment law firm is seeking an experienced California Labor & Employment Defense Attorney with 3-7+ years of experience for a full-time, permanent position. The firm represents California employers in a wide range of employment disputes and counseling matters. While the role is ideally hybrid based out of the San Diego office, fully remote arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a California employment defense litigation caseload from inception through trial, including PAGA class actions, harassment and discrimination claims, wage and hour disputes, and related matters.
• Handle all phases of litigation: written discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediations, and trial preparation and participation.
• Draft and respond to a high volume of demand letters, applying legal rigor and strategic judgment.
• Advise clients on employment law compliance and risk management, including conducting audits and counseling on workplace practices, policies, and investigations.
• Participate in strategy sessions with clients, including C-suite and board-level contacts, serving as a direct point of contact for sophisticated business clients.
• Collaborate with firm leadership and colleagues in a team-oriented environment.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in California and in good standing.
• 3–7+ years of employment defense litigation experience; candidates with strong civil litigation backgrounds but limited employment-specific experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to independently handle multiple phases of litigation, with deposition and mediation experience strongly preferred.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills; comfortable both in court and in client meetings with executive leadership.
• Outstanding professional references.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in a practice that balances analytical litigation work with client-facing counseling and compliance.
• Desire to work in an environment that values quality of work and quality of life without the billable hour pressures common in large firms.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Engagement to hire or direct hire
• Schedule: Full-time
• Location: Hybrid (San Diego office) with consideration for fully remote for exceptional candidates

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $165,000 to $185,000 annually (full-time equivalent). Contract pay rates vary based on experience, qualifications, location, and market factors.
• Benefits: Eligible for full benefits including Qualified 401(k) plan, Group Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and professional liability insurance for roles of 20+ hours per week.
• Additional stipends for CLE and professional expenses.

Confidentiality

Candidates will not be proposed to clients without prior consent. Selected candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

Location

San Diego, California (Hybrid preferred; remote considered for exceptional candidates)