Associate Labor & Employment Attorney
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Associate Labor & Employment Attorney to join our management-side practice. The attorney will represent employers in employment litigation and administrative proceedings, advise clients on HR and compliance matters, conduct workplace investigations, and draft pleadings, motions, and settlement agreements. The role requires strong litigation skills, practical counseling for management, and experience handling Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, discrimination and harassment claims, and wage-and-hour issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of employment and labor matters from intake through resolution, including state and federal court litigation and administrative proceedings (EEOC, state agencies).
- Draft and file pleadings, complaints, answers, briefs, motions, and discovery responses; prepare and argue motions and oral arguments when required.
- Plan and oversee discovery: draft and respond to discovery requests, review documents, coordinate e-discovery, and prepare witnesses and exhibits for depositions and hearings.
- Represent clients in arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution forums; negotiate settlements and severance agreements on behalf of employers.
- Conduct workplace investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and employee misconduct; prepare investigation reports and recommended remedial measures.
- Advise employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, NJ/NY employment laws), HR policies, employee handbooks, discipline, accommodations, and termination decisions.
- Draft and review employment-related documents, including employee agreements, severance agreements, policies, and handbook provisions.
- Collaborate with partners, HR professionals, and in-house counsel to develop litigation strategy, risk assessments, and client‑facing guidance; supervise and mentor junior attorneys and paralegals as needed.
- Maintain strong client communication, provide practical, business‑focused legal advice, and participate in client development and retention activities.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and current admission to the New Jersey Bar; admission to the New York Bar strongly preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in labor and employment law on the management side, with litigation experience in state and/or federal court.
- Demonstrated experience with employment statutes and claims, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters.
- Proven experience drafting pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery responses, and settlement agreements, and managing all phases of discovery and e-discovery.
- Experience representing clients in arbitration, mediation, and administrative proceedings; familiarity with EEOC and state agency processes.
- Experience conducting and documenting workplace investigations and advising on HR best practices, employee handbooks, discipline, and terminations.
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; ability to prepare witnesses and present at hearings or depositions.
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent client counseling and interpersonal skills; professional demeanor and strong ethical standards.
- Familiarity with wage‑and‑hour law, employee agreements, severance negotiations, and employment‑related compliance issues is highly desirable.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401K
- 4 days in office, 1 day remote
and more