Employment Defense Attorney

Direct Counsel; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Disability insurance

Job summary

A respected law firm in Los Angeles is seeking an Employment Associate Attorney with 2-5 years of experience. The ideal candidate will work on employment litigation and counseling, support clients in various legal matters, and will benefit from a hybrid work environment and strong mentorship. Competitive salary range of $175,000 - $220,000, along with comprehensive benefits including medical and vision insurance. This role presents a realistic path to partnership.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in employment litigation and counseling work.
• Strong academic credentials are required.
• Candidates with an interest in labor & employment are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Defend employers in class and individual actions.
• Advise on workplace compliance and conduct internal investigations.
• Handle wage-and-hour, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims.

Skills

Legal research/writing skills

Employment law experience

Litigation background

Education

J.D. and active admission to the California Bar

Job description

Join to apply for the Employment Defense Attorney role at Direct Counsel

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Associate Attorney to join a collaborative and nationally respected law firm with offices throughout California. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid‑level associate to gain hands‑on experience and long‑term growth in a supportive, hybrid work environment.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $175,000 - $220,000

About the Role

The ideal candidate will have 2‑5 years of experience and be interested in both employment litigation and counseling work. The associate will support clients in matters including:

• Defending employers in class, collective, and representative actions
• Handling single‑plaintiff wage‑and‑hour, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims
• Advising employers on workplace compliance and best practices
• Conducting internal investigations and trainings

Qualifications

• J.D. and active admission to the California Bar
• Strong academic credentials and legal research/writing skills
• Employment law experience is preferred, but candidates with solid litigation backgrounds and an interest in labor & employment are encouraged to apply
• Billable Hour Expectation: 1,850 hours/year (includes up to 100 pro‑bono hours)
• Bonus‑eligible: Associates who meet the billable target are eligible for a bonus equal to 15% of base salary
• The firm offers a realistic path to partnership and strong mentorship within a collegial environment

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Disability insurance

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