Labor & Employment Associate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Bar reimbursement

Annual bonuses

401(k)

Health & life insurance

Dental & vision

FSAs

EAP

Backup childcare

Parental leave on-ramping

Job summary

Ogletree Deakins' Orange County office is seeking an Associate to join its employment litigation practice. The attorney will defend 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

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required with California licensure in good standing.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in California labor and employment law.
• Civil litigation and/or trial experience a plus.
• Excellent academics and strong writing skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients in single- and multi-plaintiff employment litigation in court and arbitration.
• Investigate and respond to administrative charges.
• Advise on employment-law matters, including handbook and policy preparation and training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Client service

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Licensed to practice in California

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.