Employment Defense Litigation Associate

Lockridge Partners; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Lockridge Partners, a highly regarded California labor and employment firm, seeks an associate for its Orange County office. The role offers direct client interaction, significant responsibility, and leadership opportunities early in tenure.

The ideal candidate has a J.D. from an ABA-accredited school and CA Bar admission, plus 2+ years in employment defense litigations, with strong writing and research skills. A hybrid schedule and competitive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school.
• CA Bar admission in good standing.
• 2+ years of employment defense litigation experience.
• Familiarity with California labor law, FEHA, and wage and hour statutes.
• Strong writing, research, and client communication skills.
• Class action or PAGA experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle employment defense litigation and advisory matters from inception through resolution.
• Represent employers in wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and PAGA actions.
• Draft pleadings, discovery, and dispositive motions in California state and federal court.
• Conduct and defend depositions; manage expert discovery.
• Advise employer clients on compliance, HR policy, and litigation risk avoidance.

Skills

Employment defense litigation

Legal writing

Legal research

Client communication

Education

J.D. - ABA-accredited

California Bar admission

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

A highly regarded California labor and employment firm — consistently recognized as one of Orange County's top places to work — is seeking an associate for its Orange County office. The firm represents employers ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations across all industries, handling both single-plaintiff and class action matters. Associates are given real responsibility, direct client interaction, and leadership opportunities early in their tenure.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Handle employment defense litigation and advisory matters from inception through resolution
• Represent employers in wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and PAGA actions
• Draft pleadings, discovery, and dispositive motions in California state and federal court
• Conduct and defend depositions; manage expert discovery
• Advise employer clients on compliance, HR policy, and litigation risk avoidance

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; CA Bar admission in good standing
• 2+ years of employment defense litigation experience
• Familiarity with California labor law, FEHA, and wage and hour statutes
• Strong writing, research, and client communication skills
• Class action or PAGA experience is a plus

WHAT WE OFFER

A firm culture built on diversity, equity, and inclusion — with multiple "Best Places to Work" recognitions to back it up. Competitive compensation, performance bonuses, full benefits, hybrid schedule, and a genuine path to leadership and partnership. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.