Attorney -- Employment Litigation Associate

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

National Law Firm in Irvine, CA is seeking an experienced Employment Litigation Associate to handle complex matters for employers. The role offers meaningful responsibility and direct interaction with clients while collaborating with senior attorneys on a national platform.

The ideal candidate has 4–7 years of employment litigation experience, strong motion practice, and excellent legal writing skills. California Bar admission and a JD from an ABA-accredited law school are required.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of employment litigation experience.
• Substantive wage and hour and/or discrimination and harassment litigation.
• Class, collective action and/or PAGA experience.
• Strong motion practice and legal writing skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilities.
• Experience managing matters with increasing independence.
• Strong client-facing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft and respond to discovery and pleadings.
• Prepare and argue motions.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Assist with the strategic management of matters throughout the case lifecycle.

Skills

Wage & hour litigation

Discrimination & harassment

Class & PAGA experience

Motion practice

Legal writing

Client-facing skills

Case management independence

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

California Bar admission

Job description

Attorney -- Employment Litigation Associate

Location Irvine, CA

Type Direct Hire

ID GA176-2758812

Posted Oct 16, 2026

Employment Litigation Associate

Our client is a national law firm looking to identify an experienced Employment Litigation Associate for its Irvine office.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 4–7 years of employment litigation experience who is ready to take on meaningful responsibility within a sophisticated labor and employment practice. The firm offers the resources and complex matters associated with a national platform combined with the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys, interact directly with clients, and continue developing toward greater case ownership.

The Opportunity

The associate will represent employers in complex employment litigation involving:

• Wage and hour claims
• Employment discrimination and harassment
• Class and collective actions
• PAGA matters

This is a hands‑on litigation role with involvement throughout the lifecycle of a case. Responsibilities will include drafting and responding to discovery and pleadings, preparing and arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, and assisting with the strategic management of matters.

Candidates with experience independently managing cases and communicating directly with clients are particularly attractive.

Ideal Background

• 4–7 years of employment litigation experience
• Substantive wage and hour and/or discrimination and harassment litigation experience
• Class, collective action and/or PAGA experience
• Strong motion practice and legal writing skills
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilities
• Experience managing matters with increasing independence
• Strong client‑facing and communication skills
• Candidates must be admitted to the California Bar and hold a J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This opportunity is well suited for an attorney who wants sophisticated employment litigation work without sacrificing access to senior attorneys, meaningful responsibility, and long‑term professional development.

The firm offers a collaborative, team‑oriented environment, a strong national platform, sophisticated clients and matters, and opportunities for attorneys to develop both their litigation skills and client relationships.

A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, retirement and profit‑sharing programs, life and disability insurance, and additional voluntary benefits.

Compensation: $250,000–$300,000 base salary, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and other relevant factors.