Employment & Labor Senior Attorney

Wilson Elser - Attorneys; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Disability and life insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking an Employment & Labor Senior Attorney in the Los Angeles or Orange County offices. The role focuses on wage and hour class and PAGA matters within a collaborative nationally recognized employment litigation practice.

The position offers a flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement, with ownership of cases and direct client interaction. 7+ years of litigation experience and strong knowledge of employment laws are highly valued.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of litigation experience desirable.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and complex cases.
• Experience drafting pleadings, discovery, and court filings.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload from start to finish.
• Represent clients in employment and labor matters including wage and hour, PAGA, discrimination, and termination.
• Collaborate with Partners on case strategy and litigation planning.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery documents.
• Attend court appearances, depositions, and mediations; communicate with clients.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

J.D. from an 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 attorney looking for a long-term opportunity where you can grow, take ownership of your work, and be valued as part of a collaborative team, we invite you to apply to our Employment & Labor Senior Attorney position in our Los Angeles or Orange County Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement.

The Position

Wilson Elser's Los Angeles office is seeking an Employment & Labor Senior Attorney to join a team of exceptional professionals in a collaborative environment representing 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, with an emphasis on wage and hour class and PAGA representative matters.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is comfortable taking ownership of cases, developing litigation strategy, managing discovery, handling depositions and court appearances, and working directly with clients and partners. The role offers meaningful responsibility, client interaction, and the opportunity to grow within a nationally recognized employment litigation practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end
• Represent clients in a wide range of employment and labor claims, including wage and hour, PAGA, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination matters
• Work closely with Partners and other attorneys on case strategy, legal analysis, litigation planning and other legal projects
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, discovery, and other legal documents
• Regularly handle court appearances, depositions, mediations and other litigation events
• Communicate with clients, provide status reports, and offer practical case assessments
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
• For candidates with more senior experience, help mentor and support more junior attorneys as appropriate

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the State of California
• 7+ years of litigation experienceExperience with wage and hour class action and PAGA representative matters as well as discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination type claims strongly prefered
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws
• Experience drafting pleadings, discovery, depositions, mediations, and client communications
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines
• Legal project management experience is helpful
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment

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:

$190,000 - $250,000 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, 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.

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