Associate Attorney - Wage & Hour Litigation- Defense Firm

The Recruiting Hive; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recruiting Hive is seeking an Associate Attorney for wage and hour litigation in San Diego, CA. This role involves sophisticated California wage and hour disputes, including class, collective, and representative actions in state and federal court, with substantial ownership of matters.

Qualified candidates will have at least three years of litigation experience, a strong foundation in California employment law, and the ability to handle complex matters with minimal supervision while working

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California Bar.
• 5+ years of litigation experience (preferred in wage & hour).
• Strong analytical judgment and practical litigation strategy.

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 key litigation documents.
• Evaluate strategy for representative actions under PAGA.
• Analyze wage and hour issues including classification, meal/rest periods, and waiting-time penalties.
• Work with clients and collaborate with the broader labor and employment practice.

Skills

California Bar

Litigation Knowledge

Legal Writing

Deposition Experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Associate Attorney – Wage & Hour Litigation- Defense Firm

San Diego, California | 3+ Years of Experience | Labor & Employment Defense

We are actively searching for an experienced Associate Attorney to join a sophisticated wage and hour litigation practice. Our client is an AM 100 firm. 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 in the San Diego office of this national law firm 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

Seeking candidates with at least three years of litigation experience and a strong foundation in California employment law. The strongest candidates will have hands-on responsibility 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.

The Environment & Culture

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.