Experienced Attorney (Partner) - Litigation & Employment

Liff, Walsh & Simmons; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 175,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Liff, Walsh & Simmons, a Maryland-based law firm, seeks an experienced labor and employment attorney to lead and grow its Employment Practice Area in Annapolis, MD. The role involves handling employer-side matters, mentoring junior staff, and expanding client relationships with internal leadership support.

The ideal candidate has deep employment law expertise, strong client-management skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset to build a scalable practice within the firm.

Qualifications

• Active Maryland Bar in good standing.
• 5+ years of employment law experience, with a focus on litigation.
• Experience leading a practice group or mentoring junior attorneys.
• Strong business development and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on complex employment law issues, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and employee benefits.
• Represent clients in litigation, arbitration, and mediation related to employment disputes.
• Review, negotiate, and draft employment contracts, severance agreements, and related documents.
• Prepare and file court documents, pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
• Lead business development efforts to grow the firm's employment practice and client base.
• Mentor and supervise junior attorneys and staff as the practice expands.

Skills

Employment litigation

Client management

Leadership

Negotiation

Employment contracts

Education

J.D.

Maryland Bar

Job description

Liff, Walsh & Simmons is a progressive and reputable law firm known for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-focused legal services. As part of our continued strategic growth, we are seeking an experienced labor and employment attorney to join and help lead our Employment Practice Area. This role is designed for an attorney who is interested in assuming a leadership position in an established employment practice, with the support of existing firm leadership, and building it into a larger, sustainable practice area. This is an opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role at the firm, grow and manage a sophisticated employment practice, and collaborate closely with attorneys across our litigation, commercial, and estates practices.

The firm currently maintains an active employment law practice consisting of litigation, counseling, and employment contract negotiation and drafting work. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to assume responsibility for existing matters and client relationships, while also expanding the practice through internal referrals and external business development. The ideal candidate brings deep subject-matter expertise in the field of employment law (primarily employer-side), strong client-management skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This is a full-time on-site role based in Annapolis, MD.

Examples of the Matters We Work On

• LWS represented multiple professionals in Circuit Court litigation in Maryland relating to the enforceability of restrictive covenants, including non-solicitation of client and employee clauses. These proceedings involved Motions for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction, a Motion to Dismiss, and mediation.
• LWS represents employers and employees in drafting and revising employment agreements, restrictive covenants, and separation and severance agreements.
• LWS counsels small and medium-sized businesses on a wide range of employment issues, including employee investigations, termination decisions, and compliance with local, state, and federal employments laws.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and growth of the firm’s employment practice.
• An opportunity to mentor and guide associate attorneys and paralegals.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Potential for growth and advancement within the firm.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on complex employment law issues, including but not limited to discrimination, harassment, wage and hour law, and employee benefits.
• Represent clients in litigation, arbitration, and mediation in connection with employment law disputes, including discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination claims; wage and hour disputes; and restrictive covenant enforcement actions.
• Review, negotiate, and draft employment contracts, severance agreements, and other employment-related documents, safeguarding the legal interests of our clients.
• Prepare and file court documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements.
• Represent clients at trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Lead and execute business development initiatives to expand the firm’s employment practice, including cultivating new client relationships, leveraging existing firm relationships, and participating in community and professional organizations.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise junior attorneys and staff as the practice grows, with the goal of building a scalable employment law team.
• Collaborate with colleagues across different practice areas to provide comprehensive legal solutions. Work closely with clients to understand their business needs and tailor legal strategies accordingly.
• Complete special projects, and other related dutiesas assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership and in good standing with the Maryland State Bar.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience practicing employment law, with a focus on litigation.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Possess working knowledge of EEOC and NLRB rules and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
• The ideal candidate will be driven, self-motivated with the ability to work and lead a team.
• A modest portable book of business is welcome, but not required; the firm values candidates who demonstrate the ability and desire to grow a practice.

Liff, Walsh & Simmons places a strong emphasis on collegiality, community involvement, and long-term client relationships. Our attorneys are active in the Annapolis and broader Maryland community, and we seek candidates who value collaboration, professionalism, and community engagement as integral components of their practice.

Compensation Range: $175,000-$300,000 compensation commensurate with experience. Compensation is structured based on experience, seniority, and business generation, with significant upside for candidates who grow and lead the practice.

Liff, Walsh & Simmons is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal or Maryland law.