Irvine - Mid-Senior Employment Litigation Associate Attorney

Keystone Distinction Group; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Irvine, CA seeks an experienced Employment Litigation Associate to join its Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in Orange County. Handle complex California wage & hour class actions and PAGA matters representing employers in high-stakes litigation.

Ideal candidates have a JD from a top-tier law school, active California bar, 4–7 years of employment litigation, and strong drafting, deposition, and motion skills.

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing.
• 4–7 years of substantive employment litigation experience.
• Experience handling California wage and hour class actions and PAGA claims.
• Skilled in drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings.
• Experience drafting and arguing motions, and taking and defending depositions.
• Strong writing, analytical, and research skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in California wage & hour class action and PAGA litigation.
• Draft and respond to discovery requests and initial pleadings.
• Draft, argue, and respond to motions in state and federal courts.
• Take and defend depositions, and prepare witnesses for hearings.
• Advise clients on employment compliance and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical solutions.

Skills

Wage & hour actions

PAGA claims

Discovery responses

Deposition experience

Motions

Legal writing

Education

JD from top-tier law school

California bar admission

Job description

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Location: Irvine, CA

Our client, an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm, is seeking a mid to senior-level Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in Orange County. This role offers the opportunity to handle complex California wage & hour class action claims and PAGA matters, representing employers in high-stakes litigation and advising on compliance and risk management strategies.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing
• 4–7 years of substantive employment litigation experience
• Experience handling California wage and hour class actions and PAGA claims
• Skilled in drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings
• Experience drafting and arguing motions, and taking and defending depositions
• Strong writing, analytical, and research skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Soft Skills: Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong communication and organizational skills

Key Responsibilities

• Represent employers in California wage & hour class action and PAGA litigation
• Draft and respond to discovery requests and initial pleadings
• Draft, argue, and respond to motions in state and federal courts
• Take and defend depositions, and prepare witnesses for hearings
• Advise clients on employment compliance and risk mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with partners, associates, and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical solutions

Why Join Us?

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a premier labor and employment law firm, recognized for their excellence in handling high-profile wage & hour litigation, class actions, and PAGA litigation. In this role, you will handle sophisticated litigation matters impacting major employers across California and beyond. Attorneys in this practice benefit from direct client interaction, hands‑on litigation experience, ongoing training, and meaningful opportunities for advancement. The firm fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where talented attorneys thrive through mentorship, professional development support, and exposure to cutting‑edge labor and employment issues.

For driven associates seeking to cultivate deep subject‑matter expertise and advance within a market‑leading practice, this role provides a strong foundation for long‑term career growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Annual base salary expected to range from $230,000 – $270,000, based on experience, qualifications, and market factors
• Eligibility forbonuses and profit‑sharing
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid time off; paid parental leave; 401(k) with employer contribution; family/dependent care leave; FSA/HSA; and an employee assistance program
• Additional Benefits: Optional critical care, accident and hospital indemnity coverage, domestic partner benefits, student loan refinancing support; dependent life insurance; and pet insurance

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.