Associate

Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, PC Employment Attorneys; Chatham (NJ); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health benefits

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, PC Employment Attorneys in Chatham, NJ is seeking an experienced Employment Law Associate for a hybrid role. The position focuses on employment litigation (75%) and counseling (25%) for private sector corporate clients, with collaboration across the firm’s litigation team.

The candidate should have 3–6 years of substantive employment law experience and be admitted to the New Jersey Bar (New York Bar a plus).

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–6 years of substantive employment law experience.
• Experience in both employment litigation and counseling employers on a broad range of issues.
• NJ Bar admission required; NY Bar admission preferred.

Responsibilities

• Litigation and counseling for private sector clients in NJ and NY.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and manage discovery (incl. E-discovery).
• Prepare for depositions, mediations, hearings, and trial.
• Provide employment-law trainings and policy reviews.

Skills

Legal writing

Research

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Client counseling

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Job description

Objective: NFC is looking to hire an experienced Employment Law Associate for our Chatham, New Jersey office. This position will be filled by a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual who excels in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment that values top‑quality work and positive contributions to the workplace.

This role is part of the Litigation Practice Group and will primarily focus on employment litigation for private sector corporate clients, while also providing proactive employment counseling and day‑to‑day legal advice. Approximately 75% of the position will consist of litigation work and 25% will involve counseling. The successful candidate will work closely with the firm's litigation team while partnering with clients to provide practical, strategic guidance on a broad range of employment law issues.

Classification: Exempt Position

Reports to: Litigation Practice Group

Location: Hybrid – work in NFC's Chatham, NJ office a minimum of two (2) days per week. Under NFC's current hybrid model (which is subject to change), in‑office days are every Wednesday, with a second day on either Tuesday or Thursday. Must be flexible and willing to work in person for additional days as needed for coverage and/or other business needs.

Essential Functions:

Applicant must have a minimum of 3–6 years of substantive employment law experience, including both employment litigation and counseling employers on a broad range of employment law issues.

Responsibilities include employment litigation and counseling for private sector corporate clients in New Jersey and New York, specifically:

Employment Litigation:

• Drafting pleadings and motions
• Conducting legal research
• Preparing and responding to written discovery (including E-discovery)
• Preparing and responding to dispositive and other motions
• Assisting with deposition preparation, mediations, and settlement negotiations
• Attending depositions, hearings, mediations, and court appearances as required
• Trial preparation
• Handling all aspects of litigation, including lawsuits, EEO, DOL, and other administrative charges, pre‑litigation demands, subpoenas, and related matters

Employment Counseling:

• Advising clients on employee relations matters, including discipline, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, wage and hour compliance, and employee separations
• Drafting, reviewing, and revising employment‑related policies, handbooks, agreements, and other workplace documents
• Conducting employment‑related investigations
• Conducting employment law trainings (on topics such as harassment and discrimination)

Skills Required

• Must be admitted to the New Jersey Bar (New York Bar admission preferred)
• Experience litigating restrictive covenant matters is a plus
• Experience providing employment counseling to employers is preferred
• Exceptional legal writing and communication skills
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and client counseling skills
• The ability to work collaboratively and positively in a dynamic team environment
• The ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and provide practical business‑focused advice
• The ability to manage multiple clients and matters simultaneously

Salary Range (based on full‑time): $165,000 – $180,000

The Firm is providing this good faith salary range to comply with applicable law. The applicant's final salary will depend on a number of factors, including the applicant's skills, experience, and years of practicing employment law.

Performance and Hours‑Based Bonuses: This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary performance‑based bonus (percentage of salary) and an hours‑based bonus (based on meeting billable hour requirements).

Total Compensation Package Range (Salary plus Maximum Performance and Hours‑Based Bonuses): $180,000 – $200,000

Additional Bonuses: Discretionary overage bonus (based on exceeding billable hours), origination bonus, and employee referral bonus.

Benefits: This position is eligible for many additional benefits, including paid time off, sick time, medical and dental benefits, 401(k) contribution (and matching).