Associate Attorney Wage & Hour Litigation

Job Juncture; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 245,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a global Am Law 100 employment defense firm, seeks an Associate Attorney to join a sophisticated wage and hour litigation practice in Irvine, CA. The role focuses on California wage and hour disputes, including class and representative actions, with substantial ownership of matters and exposure to high-stakes issues.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of litigation experience, California Bar admission, and a JD from an ABA-accredited school; strong writing and advocacy skills are

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of litigation experience
• Strong foundation in California employment law
• Experience with wage and hour disputes is preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy from early assessment through resolution
• Take and defend depositions; manage written discovery
• Research, draft, and argue motions, including dispositive and class-related
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and other litigation documents
• Evaluate strategy for representative actions under PAGA
• Analyze wage and hour issues including classification, regular-rate calculations, meal/rest periods, wage statements, and waiting-time penalties

Skills

Litigation experience

California employment law

PAGA knowledge

Deposition experience

Legal writing

Education

JD, ABA-accredited

Job description

Associate Attorney Wage & Hour Litigation

Salary: $245,000 - $270,000 per year

Location: Irvine, CA

Posted: October 16 2026

Relocation Assistance: Not Available

Associate Attorney – Wage & Hour Litigation

Irvine, California | 5+ Years of Experience | Labor & Employment Defense

Our client is a global Am Law 100 employment defense firm, in the search for an experienced Associate Attorney to join a sophisticated wage and hour litigation practice. This opportunity is well suited for an attorney who enjoys complex litigation, meaningful responsibility, and working closely with experienced practitioners and employer clients.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Our client offers an environment where attorneys are encouraged to contribute ideas, take initiative, and have a meaningful voice in both client service and the continued evolution of the practice. The firm is actively investing in technology, stronger systems, and more efficient ways to serve clients facing increasingly complex workplace issues. Attorneys who are practical, forward-thinking, and solutions-oriented will have the opportunity to help shape how matters are handled and how the practice continues to grow.

The Role

The attorney will work on sophisticated California wage and hour disputes, including class, collective, and representative actions in state and federal court. The role provides substantial ownership of matters and exposure to cases involving significant financial and operational issues for employer clients.

• Develop litigation strategy and help drive matters from early assessment through resolution.
• Take and defend depositions and manage significant written discovery.
• Research, draft, and argue substantive motions, including dispositive and class‑related motions.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and other key litigation documents.
• Evaluate and develop strategy for representative actions brought under PAGA.
• Analyze wage and hour issues involving employee classification, regular‑rate calculations, meal and rest periods, wage statements, and waiting‑time penalties.
• Work directly with clients and collaborate with attorneys across the broader labor and employment practice.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking candidates with at least five year of litigation experience and a strong foundation in California employment law. The strongest candidates will have hands‑on responsible for complex wage and hour matters rather than experience limited to supporting roles.

• Active membership in the California Bar.
• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 5+ years of litigation experience, preferably with substantial wage and hour defense experience.
• Working knowledge of the California Labor Code, PAGA, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Demonstrated experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and substantive legal writing.
• Strong analytical judgment and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical litigation strategy.
• Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters while working effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Strong academic background and excellent written and oral advocacy skills.

Professional Environment

This is an opportunity to join a firm that combines the resources and depth of a national platform with an entrepreneurial approach to practice development and client service. Attorneys are given meaningful client exposure, access to experienced colleagues, and room to contribute beyond their immediate assignments. The organization is focused on continuous improvement and welcomes professionals who look for better ways to solve problems, collaborate, and deliver value.

All inquiries and candidate information will be treated confidentially.