Employment Law Associate

Buchanan; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking an Employment Law Associate to join its Employment Law Group across multiple Northern and Southern California offices, including San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The successful candidate will handle complex employment matters, from pre-litigation to wage and hour class actions, with exposure to high-profile corporate clients. Ideal for a 3–6 year associate who is driven, practical, and collaborative in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–5 years of employment law or litigation experience at a law firm.
• Bar admission in the applicable jurisdiction preferred.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in employment litigation matters, including class actions and PAGA representative actions.
• Respond to administrative charges and provide proactive employment counseling to corporate clients.
• Take and defend depositions, make court appearances, and argue motions.
• Handle mediations and other dispute resolution processes.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, and related employment law documents.
• Collaborate with partners and colleagues on strategic case management and client advice.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Growth mindset

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Overview

A leading national law firm is seeking an Employment Law Associate to join its Employment Law Group across multiple Northern and Southern California offices, including San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The successful candidate will handle a variety of complex employment matters, including pre-litigation issues, single-plaintiff cases, systemic discrimination claims, wage and hour class actions, and PAGA representative actions. This role provides significant exposure to corporate clients and high-profile cases while offering the opportunity to assume meaningful responsibility early in your career.

This position is particularly well suited to a 3–6 year associate who is driven, practical, and creative, and who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Do

• Represent clients in employment litigation matters, including class actions and PAGA representative actions.
• Respond to administrative charges and provide proactive employment counseling to corporate clients.
• Take and defend depositions, make court appearances, and argue motions.
• Handle mediations and other dispute resolution processes.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, and related employment law documents.
• Collaborate with partners and colleagues on strategic case management and client advice.

About You

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–5 years of experience in corporate M&A and private equity transactions at a law firm.
• Strong transactional and drafting skills, with experience preparing complex corporate documents.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Growth-minded with a desire to take on increasing responsibility on deal teams.
• JD required; bar admission in the applicable jurisdiction preferred.

Why Apply?

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–6 years of employment law or litigation experience at a peer law firm.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage complex matters independently and collaboratively.
• Proven experience handling pre-litigation, litigation, and employment counseling matters.
• Active California State Bar license required.
• Base salary range: $260,000 – $390,000 depending on experience and location.
• Performance-based bonus may be available.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The Process

• Two-stage interview process.