Labor & Employment Associate

Ogletree Deakins; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 263,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attorney Retreat

CLE reimbursement

Bonuses

401(k) plan

Health insurance

Life insurance

FSA

Employee assistance program

Back-up childcare

Parental leave

Job summary

Ogletree Deakins' Orange County office seeks an Associate to join its employment litigation practice. The attorney will defend clients in single and multi-plaintiff actions in court and arbitration, and may advise on handbook and policy matters, with training opportunities.

The firm emphasizes hands-on writing, publishing, speaking opportunities, professional development, and a generous benefits package for eligible employees in a nationwide and international platform.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and California bar in good standing.
• 5+ years of California labor and employment law experience; civil litigation/trial experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical, writing, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent academic record.

Responsibilities

• Defend employers in single- and multi-plaintiff employment litigation in court and arbitration.
• Provide advice on employment law matters, including handbook and policy development, training, and day-to-day needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Client service

Education

Juris Doctor

California Bar license

Job description

Position Summary

Ogletree Deakins’ Orange County office has an opportunity for an Associate to join the firm’s employment litigation practice. The attorney will focus on defending clients in single and multi-plaintiff employment litigation (in court and arbitration) and investigating and responding to administrative charges. For those with an interest, the position also offers opportunities to provide advice and counsel on employment law-related matters, including handbook and policy preparation, training opportunities, and other day-to-day employment needs.

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. With offices throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, the firm represents a diverse range of clients and has a reputation for legal excellence and responsive client service. Unlike many other firms, we provide our attorneys with hands‑on writing, publishing, and speaking opportunities and access to robust professional development training programs. The firm also offers a generous benefits package to all eligible employees.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor. Qualified candidates must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in California. Must meet requirements for continuing licensure for law practice throughout employment.


• Candidates should possess at least 5+ years of experience practicing in the field of California labor and employment law. Civil litigation and/or trial experience is also a plus.


• Job requires excellent analytical and writing skills; strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task; passion for client service and practice development.


• Excellent academics are expected.

Please note, we are not working with outside recruiters for this position.

Benefits

In accordance with California’s amended labor code as stated in Senate Bill 1162, the expected salary range for this California position is between $220,000 and $262,500. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. This position qualifies for the benefits below.

• comprehensive training and development programs including an annual firm-wide Attorney Retreat


• CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement


• several competitive annual bonus programs


• 401(k) plan


• affordable health


• life insurance including dental and vision coverage


• flexible spending accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses


• employee assistance program


• back-up childcare program


• a paid parental leave on-ramping program

Contact Information

If you have questions, please e-mail Brittney Padilla at [e-mail] with “ORA - Labor & Employment Associate ” in the subject line.

Firm Overview

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.