ClientTeam Counsel

Ogletree Deakins; Costa Mesa (CA); Remote; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health insurance including dental and

Life insurance including dental and

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance program

Backup childcare program

Paid parental leave

Attorney Retreat

Bonuses

Job summary

Ogletree Deakins is seeking an experienced employment litigation attorney to defend employers for a major client. The role supports a fully remote arrangement with residency in a state where the firm has an office. You will develop defenses, draft pleadings, manage discovery, and handle motions and depositions.

The position emphasizes quality work with a lower billable-hour target than traditional tracks. The firm offers robust professional development, an annual retreat, and comprehensive

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in California.
• Minimum 5+ years of employment litigation experience.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• High motivation, strong organization, and client service focus.

Responsibilities

• Develop defense strategy for employers in employment litigation.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, manage discovery and motions.
• Prepare dispositive motions and participate in depositions, mediations, and trials as needed.
• Work remotely while staying integrated with a dedicated client team.
• Collaborate with attorneys, staff, and clients to deliver high-quality services.

Skills

Analytical writing

Organizational skills

multitask ability

Client service

Self-motivation

Accountability

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

State Bar of California

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Position Summary

Working with a dedicated client team supporting one of the firm’s largest clients, this attorney will focus on defending employers in employment litigation, primarily single- and multi-plaintiff matters. This role is designed for an experienced litigator who enjoys full-cycle litigation work while benefiting from increased flexibility and a more sustainable pace. Core responsibilities will include developing defense strategy, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, managing discovery and motion practice, and preparing dispositive motions. Depending on jurisdiction and case needs, the attorney may also take or defend depositions, argue motions, participate in mediations, or support trial and other in-person litigation activities. This position offers a highly flexible structure, allowing the right candidate to work remotely while remaining deeply engaged in meaningful litigation work. The role focuses on delivering efficient, high-quality legal services without the administrative and business‑development expectations associated with a shareholder or partner track, and it carries a lower billable‑hours target than the firm’s traditional shareholder‑track roles. Ogletree Deakins — one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management — offers this opportunity within its California offices for attorneys seeking challenging litigation work alongside greater flexibility. Although the role is remote, the attorney will be included in the firm’s annual all‑attorney retreat and will have access to robust learning and professional development resources. This position may be remote, but the successful candidate must reside in a state where the firm has a physical office. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance.

Requirements

• Qualified candidates must be and remain actively licensed to practice law and in good standing in the state of residence as well as the jurisdiction in which they reside, if required by that jurisdiction.
• Candidates must be and remain actively licensed to practice law in good standing in California.
• Candidates must have a minimum of 5+ years of relevant employment litigation experience, either in‑house or for a law firm.
• Job requires excellent analytical and writing skills, strong organizational skills, ability to multi‑task, and dedication to client service.
• Due to the remote nature of the position, this job requires a high level of self‑motivation, accountability for work product, and responsiveness.
• Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to manage and work collaboratively with attorneys, administrative professionals, and clients, including excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft office applications, including but not limited to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the expected salary range for this Colorado position is between $180,000 and $210,000. In accordance with New York State's Wage Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this New York State position is between $200,000 and $230,000. In accordance with California’s amended labor code as stated in Senate Bill 1162, the expected salary range for this California position is between $190,000 and $230,000. In accordance with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities act, the expected salary range for this Washington position is between $190,000 and $220,000. In accordance with the Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act, the expected salary range for this DC position is between $190,000 and $220,000. In accordance with Maryland’s Equal Pay for Equal Work‑Wage Range Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this Baltimore position is between $180,000 and $210,000. In accordance with New Jersey Senate Bill 2310, the expected salary range for this New Jersey position is between $190,000 and $220,000. In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act Transparency Notice, the expected salary range for this Illinois position is between $190,000 and $220,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job‑related factors as permitted by law. The application deadline for this position is January 29, 2027.

• comprehensive training and development programs including an annual firm‑wide Attorney Retreat
• CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement
• several competitive annual bonus programs
• 401(k) plan
• affordable health
• life insurance including dental and vision coverage
• flexible spending accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses
• employee assistance program
• back‑up childcare program
• a paid parental leave on‑ramping program

Firm Overview

With more than 1,200 attorneys in 62 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. We handle all types of employment‑related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by our Client Pledge, we focus on understanding clients' business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.