California Employment Defense Associate Attorney

Orion Placement; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Orionplacement is looking for a full-time attorney in Newport Beach, CA, to handle employment litigation matters for California employers. This position requires a Juris Doctor degree, California bar admission, and 4+ years of litigation experience. Responsibilities include managing active cases, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents. Employees enjoy a competitive salary range of $165,000 to $225,000, medical benefits, 401(k) matching, and a collaborative working environment with supportive staff.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar admission in good standing.
• 4+ years of California litigation experience required.
• Experience in employment litigation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle employment litigation matters for California clients.
• Research case law and develop defense strategies.
• Draft and review legal documents.
• Manage multiple litigation matters with attention to detail.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Case management

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Newport Beach, California, United States

$ 165,000.00 - 225,000.00 (US Dollar)

• Join a highly respected California litigation team representing employers, businesses, and healthcare providers in sophisticated disputes
• Work on meaningful employment defense matters, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, wrongful termination, trade secrets, and unfair competition claims
• Enjoy a strong compensation range with a reasonable billable hour expectation of 1,500 to 1,700 hours
• Build your litigation skills in a collaborative environment with access to paralegal, administrative, marketing, and intern support
• Work from a desirable Newport Beach office with strong mentorship, client exposure, and long-term growth potential

Location

This is an on-site position based in our Newport Beach, CA office, conveniently located near major freeways in a highly desirable Orange County location.

Note

Applicants must have 4+ years of California litigation experience and be admitted to practice law in California.

About Us

We are a California law firm providing trusted counsel to employers, businesses, and healthcare providers in employment litigation, labor and employment counseling, healthcare law, and business litigation. Our team is known for practical strategy, strong client service, and a thoughtful approach to resolving disputes efficiently while protecting our clients' interests. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Handle employment litigation matters on behalf of California employers and business clients
• Research case law, analyze legal precedent, and develop effective defense strategies
• Draft, review, and interpret pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence, and other legal documents
• Analyze evidence, identify inconsistencies, and evaluate case strengths, weaknesses, and risk
• Manage multiple active litigation matters with strong attention to detail and deadlines
• Work directly with partners, attorneys, clients, paralegals, and support staff to move cases forward
• Assist with litigation strategy, settlement evaluation, and dispute resolution efforts
• Maintain a billable hour expectation of approximately 1,500 to 1,700 hours annually

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar admission in good standing
• 4+ years of California litigation experience
• Employment litigation, employment defense, business litigation, or healthcare litigation experience preferred
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and case management skills
• Ability to manage deadlines, communicate professionally with clients, and work both independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and standard legal technology tools
• Organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling multiple matters at once

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Competitive salary range of $165,000 to $225,000 depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with matching
• Parental leave and sick days
• Reasonable billable hour target compared to many litigation firms
• Strong internal support from paralegals, administrative staff, marketing, and interns
• Collaborative team environment with sophisticated California litigation work
• Opportunity to grow with a respected firm serving employers, businesses, and healthcare providers