Associate Attorney - Wage & Hour Defense, Complex Litigation

The Keystone Distinction Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Keystone Distinction Group, a San Diego-based labor and employment defense firm, is seeking an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience in wage and hour litigation to join its San Diego office. You will handle sophisticated disputes in state and federal court and work closely with employer clients.

You will develop litigation strategies, manage depositions and discovery, and draft motions and pleadings, while collaborating with the broader wage-and-hour team to deliver practical,

Qualifications

• Three+ years of litigation experience, with a focus on wage-and-hour matters.
• Strong foundation in California employment law and PAGA/FLSA concepts.
• Hands-on responsibility handling complex matters, not just support roles.
• Active membership in the California Bar.

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy from early assessment through resolution.
• Take and defend depositions and manage written discovery.
• Research, draft, and argue substantive motions, including dispositive and class-related motions.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Evaluate strategy for PAGA-representative actions.
• Analyze wage-and-hour issues such as classification and wage statements.

Skills

Litigation experience

Wage & hour knowledge

Legal writing skills

Strategic thinking

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Active California Bar membership

Job description

The Keystone Distinction Group, a San Diego-based labor and employment defense firm, is seeking an Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience in wage and hour litigation to join its San Diego office. You will handle sophisticated disputes in state and federal court and work closely with employer clients.

You will develop litigation strategies, manage depositions and discovery, and draft motions and pleadings, while collaborating with the broader wage-and-hour team to deliver practical,