Attorney - Employment Litigation Associate

Joseph Michaels International; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International seeks an Employment Litigation Associate in Irvine, CA, handling complex employment matters for employers. The role requires 4–7 years of employment litigation experience and strong motion practice, with direct client interaction and case ownership opportunities.

The successful candidate will draft and respond to discovery, pleadings, and motions, take and defend depositions, and collaborate with senior attorneys on strategic matters.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Deposition 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.
• California Bar admission and a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in complex employment litigation including wage/hour claims.
• Draft and respond to discovery and pleadings, prepare and argue motions.
• Take and defend depositions; manage case strategy.

Skills

Employment litigation

Deposition experience

Legal writing

Client communication

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Admitted to the California Bar

Job description

Employment Litigation Associate

Irvine, CA | $250,000–$300,000 Base Salary

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
• Deposition experience
• Strong motion practice and legal writing skills
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilitiesExperience 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.

Confidential Applications:

We welcome inquiries from qualified California employment litigators, including successful attorneys who may not be actively looking but would consider the right opportunity.

All candidate discussions and referrals will be handled confidentially.