
Senior Litigation Associate Attorney, (Employment Law) (Hybrid)
Job Description
We are seeking a seasoned Senior Litigation Associate to assume a leadership role within our employment litigation practice. The ideal candidate is a confident, independent litigator with a deep command of California employment law, a demonstrated history of taking cases to trial or arbitration, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex workplace disputes. This attorney will play an integral role in shaping case strategy, driving matters to resolution, and contributing to the continued growth and development of the team. This is a hybrid position offering flexibility while maintaining strong team collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and independently manage a sophisticated docket of employment litigation matters through all phases, including pre-litigation, discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeal
- Serve as first chair or co-chair in bench and jury trials, arbitrations, and administrative hearings
- Take and defend complex depositions, including C-suite executives, expert witnesses, and corporate representatives (PMK)
- Argue dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment and summary adjudication, before state and federal courts
- Develop comprehensive case strategy and litigation plans in partnership with clients and firm leadership
- Oversee and supervise junior associates and paralegals, providing substantive feedback, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, providing strategic counsel, managing expectations, and maintaining strong long-term relationships
- Conduct and oversee legal research on complex and novel employment law issues
- Draft, review, and refine high-stakes pleadings, briefs, and written discovery
- Participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, and pre-trial conferences as lead attorney
- Assist in business development initiatives, including client pitches, industry presentations, and firm networking efforts
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments in California and federal employment law and advise clients accordingly
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active membership in the California State Bar, in good standing
- Licensed to practice law in the State of California
- 5–10 years of employment litigation experience in a law firm, government agency, or comparable setting
- Demonstrated first or second chair trial, arbitration, or administrative hearing experience
- Extensive deposition experience, including complex and expert witness depositions
- Strong command of California employment law, including FEHA, PAGA, Labor Code, and applicable federal law (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA)
- Proven experience with motion practice in both state and federal court
- Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume, complex caseload with minimal supervision
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with experience supervising junior attorneys and staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience litigating wage and hour class actions or PAGA representative actions
- Background in both plaintiff-side and defense-side employment litigation
- Familiarity with e-discovery platforms and litigation management software
- Existing client relationships or demonstrated business development experience
- Admission to practice before the U.S. District Courts in California (Central, Northern, Eastern, or Southern Districts)
Core Competencies:
- Strategic legal thinker with the ability to anticipate litigation risk and advise clients proactively
- Skilled communicator and advocate, both in written submissions and oral argument
- Collaborative leader who elevates the attorneys and staff around them
- Highly organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage competing priorities across a demanding docket
- Professional, client-focused, and committed to the highest ethical standards
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and unlimited paid time off (PTO).
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing legal education (CLE).
- A supportive work environment dedicated to teamwork, integrity, and excellence in client service.
Department
Litigation
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Burbank, CA
Workplace type
Hybrid
Compensation
$160,000-$220,000
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