Location: Los Angeles, CA or Irvine, CA (Hybrid) | Compensation: $150,000 – $215,000 base | Equity: Competitive | Hiring: 2 candidates
We are looking for a Labor and Employment Associate with 3–7 years of defense-side experience to join our growing team. We are seeking a passionate, team-oriented attorney who is looking for a long-term home to develop their career, gain substantive trial and arbitration experience, and become a key part of our collaborative, family-like culture.
-
Run active employment defense matters day-to-day, from single-plaintiff cases to PAGA and class actions.
-
Lead discovery, including drafting and arguing motions and taking/defending depositions.
-
Gain significant, hands-on arbitration and trial experience, with opportunities to second-chair and quickly take on more responsibility.
-
Advise and counsel a variety of California employers on complex employment law issues.
-
Work directly with partners and clients, helping to shape case strategy from start to finish.
-
3–7 years of post-bar litigation experience in California employment law.
-
Experience must be exclusively on the defense side; no candidates with plaintiff-side experience.
-
Demonstrated proficiency in discovery, motion practice, and case management.
-
Exposure to PAGA and class action litigation is highly preferred.
-
A collaborative, team-player mentality with a genuine passion for employment law and desire for a long-term career path.
The Orange County office requires a minimum of 3 days in-office in Irvine, CA. The Los Angeles office is more flexible and remote-friendly.
Visa sponsorship: Not available
-
Boutique firm with big law experience: Founded by former AmLaw 100 attorneys who bring sophisticated litigation experience in a collaborative boutique environment.
-
Real trial and arbitration opportunities: Associates regularly second-chair federal jury trials and argue summary judgment motions — not just document review.
-
Clear partnership track: Multiple associates get promoted to senior counsel and partner every year with transparent advancement criteria.
-
Strong work-life balance culture: 1800 billable hour requirement with generous discretionary bonuses and firm-wide retreats in Vegas.
-
Mentorship and development focus: Monthly TADA program for associate development plus dedicated mentor matching with partners.
-
This role is hybrid, with an expectation of at least 3 days in the office. Are you able to work from either our Orange County or Los Angeles office on this basis?
-
To confirm, is all of your employment law experience on the defense side? We cannot consider candidates with plaintiff-side experience due to conflicts.
-
We're looking for attorneys who want to be here for the long haul, not just a 1–2 year blip on a resume. What are you looking for in your next firm that points to a long-term fit?
-
Can you be on-site? If not, are you willing to relocate?
-
What is your salary expectation?
-
How actively are you recruiting?
3 steps
