Attorney - Employment Litigation Associate

King Recruiting Services; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a national law firm, seeks an Employment Litigation Associate in Irvine, CA. The ideal candidate has 4–7 years of employment litigation experience and is admitted to the California Bar with a J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school.

The role involves complex wage/hour, discrimination/harassment, class/collective action and PAGA matters. The associate will handle discovery, motions, depositions, and strategic case management, with direct client interaction and opportunities for greater

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of employment litigation experience.
• California Bar admission and a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school are required.
• Substantial wage/hour and/or discrimination/harassment litigation experience preferred.
• Experience with class/collective action and/or PAGA advisable.
• Depositions, strong motion practice and solid legal writing skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in complex employment litigation from inception to resolution.
• Drafting and responding to discovery and pleadings; preparing and arguing motions.
• Take and defend depositions and assist with strategic matter management.
• Communicate with clients and manage matters with increasing independence.

Skills

Wage and hour litigation

Discrimination and harassment

Class/collective action/PAGA

Deposition experience

Motion practice

Legal writing

Client communication

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

California Bar admission

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.