Labor and Employment Associate - NY & NJ

Ward Law, LLC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Ward Law, LLC in New York is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join our growing NY/NJ offices. This hybrid role handles a broad range of employment litigation and counseling matters while working closely with firm leadership and clients to develop effective strategies and achieve favorable outcomes.

The successful candidate will manage matters from inception through resolution, including agency proceedings, discovery, and settlement negotiations.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Active NY and/or NJ bar in good standing.
• 2–5 years of labor and employment litigation experience.

Responsibilities

• Defend labor and employment matters in state and federal courts.
• Advise clients on policies, investigations, and compliance.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery requests.
• Take and defend depositions; participate in hearings and settlements.
• Manage caseloads and provide timely updates to clients.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal writing

Client communication

Oral advocacy

Strategic thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active NY/NJ law license

PA admission preferred

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Microsoft Word

Job description

About Ward Law

Ward Law, LLC is a woman-owned insurance defense and litigation firm with offices in Philadelphia, New York, and Tampa, serving clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. We provide strategic, cost-effective representation with a focus on responsive communication, practical legal solutions, and efficient case resolution.

Our attorneys are known for delivering timely reporting, accurate exposure assessments, and thoughtful litigation strategies that align with client objectives. We take a proactive approach to case management and pride ourselves on building trusted relationships through exceptional service, professionalism, and results-driven advocacy.

At Ward Law, we foster a collaborative environment where attorneys are given meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, and opportunities for professional growth.

Position Overview

Ward Law, LLC is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join our growing New York and New Jersey offices. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to handle a broad range of employment litigation and counseling matters while working closely with firm leadership and clients to develop effective legal strategies and achieve favorable outcomes.

The successful candidate will manage matters from inception through resolution, including agency proceedings, litigation, mediations, and settlement negotiations. The ideal candidate is a motivated self-starter who values client service, strong advocacy, and practical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Defend labor and employment matters in New York (or New Jersey) state and federal courts.
• Represent clients before administrative agencies, including the EEOC, NYSDHR, and other regulatory bodies.
• Handle matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, ADA, FMLA, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, and related workplace disputes.
• Conduct early case evaluations and provide liability, damages, and exposure assessments.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other substantive litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions and participate in hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations.
• Prepare timely case evaluations, litigation updates, and strategic recommendations.
• Advise clients on employment policies, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, accommodations, leave issues, and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop effective litigation and resolution strategies.
• Manage caseloads efficiently while maintaining high-quality work product and meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active New York and/or New Jersey law license in good standing.
• Admission in Pennsylvania is strongly preferred.
• 2-5 years of labor and employment litigation experience.
• Insurance defense experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing matters independently through discovery, motion practice, and resolution.
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to assess risk, evaluate exposure, and communicate recommendations effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and exceptional client service.

Why Ward Law

Ward Law offers attorneys direct client contact, meaningful litigation responsibility, and the opportunity to practice across multiple jurisdictions. We seek attorneys who are strategic, responsive, and committed to delivering exceptional results while building long-term professional relationships in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ward Law, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.