Employment and Labor - Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Corporate discounts

Job summary

Wilson Elser in San Diego is seeking an Employment & Labor Associate to join a collaborative team handling sophisticated employment and labor matters for a national firm. The role requires managing cases from intake through trial, with engagement in wage and hour matters and PAGA representations.

The ideal candidate will hold a JD from an accredited law school, be admitted in California, and possess at least 2 years of litigation experience, including court appearances and depositions.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of California.
• 2+ years of litigation experience.
• Experience with wage and hour class action and PAGA representative matters as well as discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination type claims.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws.
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end.
• Represent clients in a wide range of employment and labor claims.
• Work closely with other attorneys and Partners on legal projects.
• Regularly handle court appearances and depositions.
• Communicate with clients and provide status reports.

Skills

Litigation experience

California bar admission

Strong communication skills

Court appearances

Education

JD from accredited law school

Job description

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Employment & Labor Associateposition in our San Diego, CAOffice.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Wilson Elser's San Diego office is seeking an Employment & Labor Associate to join a team of exceptional professionals in a collaborative environment to represent sophisticated clients confronted with complex legal challenges. This attorney will have the opportunity to contribute their experience and expertise to a wide range of employment and labor matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end
• Represent clients in a wide range of employment and labor claims
• Work closely with other attorneys and Partners on legal projects
• Regularly handle court appearances and depositions
• Communicate with clients and provide status reports

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the State of California
• 2+ years of litigation experience
• Experience with wage and hour class action and PAGA representative matters as well as discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination type claims
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus
• Superior analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally. A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full-time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Salary Range:: $150,000 USD - $200,000 USD

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Employment & Labor Associateposition in our San Diego, CAOffice.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Wilson Elser's San Diego office is seeking an Employment & Labor Associate to join a team of exceptional professionals in a collaborative environment to represent sophisticated clients confronted with complex legal challenges. This attorney will have the opportunity to contribute their experience and expertise to a wide range of employment and labor matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end
• Represent clients in a wide range of employment and labor claims
• Work closely with other attorneys and Partners on legal projects
• Regularly handle court appearances and depositions
• Communicate with clients and provide status reports

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the State of California
• 2+ years of litigation experience
• Experience with wage and hour class action and PAGA representative matters as well as discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination type claims
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus
• Superior analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally. A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full‑time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Salary Range:: $150,000 USD - $200,000 USD

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long‑term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work‑life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users. You may review our Accessibility Policy here.

California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.

Wilson Elser participates in the federal E-Verify program. With respect to all new hires, we provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Please review the official posters for detailed information regarding your rights and protections

• Download the E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Spanish)
• Download the Right to Work Poster (English & Spanish)