Employment Associate - SD

plug-legal; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 390,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Bonus eligibility

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

plug-legal is seeking a high-caliber Employment Associate in San Diego to join its premier Employment practice. Candidates should have 3+ years of employment law experience, covering litigation and advisory aspects. This role offers the chance to work on high-stakes matters and navigate complex workplace law within a collaborative firm culture. The competitive salary ranges from $260,000 to $390,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

The position follows a hybrid work model, involving office presence approximately 60% of the time. Join a prestigious Am Law 100 firm recognized for its expertise in pivotal deals and disputes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of dedicated employment law experience in litigation and advisory work.
• Proven ability in handling employment litigation in state and federal courts.
• Must be admitted to practice in California.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of employment litigation in state and federal courts.
• Provide daily HR-related compliance guidance to business leaders.
• Draft employment-related documents including agreements and handbooks.
• Conduct sensitive workplace investigations and compliance training.
• Represent clients in alternative dispute resolution matters.

Skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication

Meticulous attention to detail

Ability to collaborate in high-pressure situations

Education

JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Propel your legal career by joining a premier Employment practice at the forefront of the California market. We are seeking a high-caliber Employment Associate (3+ years) to join an Am Law 100 firm renowned for its deep institutional knowledge and sophisticated approach to complex workplace law. This is an elite opportunity to navigate high-stakes litigation and strategic counseling for a diverse range of industries within a firm celebrated for its collaborative culture and global reach.

About the Role

As an Employment Associate in our San Diego office, you will serve as a vital advisor to employers on the federal, state, and local laws that shape the modern workplace. You will manage a dynamic portfolio that balances aggressive litigation defense with proactive HR counseling. This role is designed for a versatile practitioner who can transition seamlessly between courtroom advocacy and the strategic drafting of executive agreements and workplace policies.

Key Responsibilities

Employment Litigation: Lead and support all aspects of litigation in state and federal courts, including wage and hour, discrimination, leave, and breach of contract matters.

Strategic Counseling: Provide daily guidance to business leaders on HR-related compliance, including employee benefits, deferred compensation, and equity-based incentives.

Policy & Agreement Architecture: Draft technically precise employment-related documents, including executive employment agreements, separation agreements, and comprehensive employee handbooks.

Internal Investigations: Conduct sensitive workplace investigations and deliver high-level compliance training to client R&D and management teams.

Dispute Resolution: Represent clients in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and before administrative agencies with a focus on yielding efficient, business-oriented results.

Requirements

Experience: 3+ years of dedicated employment law experience within a reputable law firm, covering both litigation and advisory work.

Technical Proficiency: Proven track record in handling employment litigation before state/federal courts and advising on complex compliance matters.

Bar Admission: Must be admitted to practice, or eligible for admission, in California.

Academic Background: JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a meticulous eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively in high-pressure team settings.

Why This Opportunity?

Am Law 100 Prestige: Join a premier global firm of over 500 attorneys recognized for navigating the world’s most pivotal deals, disputes, and regulatory matters.

Institutional Depth: Benefit from a team with broad expertise across federal and state mandates, offering you a platform to become a subject matter expert.

Professional Growth: Thrive in an environment that values mentorship and provides the resources of a national powerhouse to support your career trajectory.

Elite Compensation: Competitive salary range of $260,000 – $390,000, plus bonus eligibility and a comprehensive, top-tier benefits package.

Location / Working Model

Working Model: Our firm values the mentorship and synergy of in-person connection; this role follows a modern hybrid model, requiring an office presence approximately 60% of the time.