Labor & Employment Associate: Mentored Litigator & Advisor

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Mentorship and professional develop

Job summary

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC in Akron, OH is seeking a Labor and Employment Associate to grow a sophisticated practice with hands-on client engagement, mentorship, and early responsibility. The role offers exposure to both litigation and advisory work, including counseling, investigations, policy drafting, and employment litigation.

The ideal candidate will have 2–5 years of experience, excellent writing and communication skills, and an active Ohio license or the ability to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Interest in labor and employment law.
• 2–5 years of experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently or collaboratively.
• Active Ohio law license or eligibility to practice in Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on harassment, discrimination, wage and hour, and other workplace matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys on client counseling, investigations, policy drafting, and employment litigation.
• Draft employment agreements, handbooks, policies, and client-facing materials.
• Contribute to litigation strategy, pleadings, motions, discovery, and depositions.
• Participate in workplace investigations.

Skills

Labor and employment law

Strong writing

Analytical thinking

Client communication

Job description

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC is a full-service law firm with offices in Akron, Canton, and Cleveland. Founded more than 100 years ago, Buckingham is nationally recognized for its client service, collaborative culture, and commitment to professional excellence. We are seeking a Labor and Employment Associate to join our growing team and build a sophisticated employment law practice with meaningful mentorship, early responsibility, and direct client engagement.

This role is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who wants to develop as both a litigator and a trusted employment advisor. The associate will work closely with experienced attorneys on a broad range of workplace matters while gaining practical, hands-on experience in client counseling, investigations, policy drafting, and employment litigation.

In this position, you will:

• Have direct, hands-on experience in all aspects of employment and labor work, including matters involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, whistleblower protections, and restrictive covenants;
• Work directly with other attorneys and clients to provide practical guidance to employers regarding employee leaves of absence, accommodations, labor relations, and other workplace issues;
• Draft employment agreements, contracts, employee handbooks, policies, and other client-facing materials;
• Take an active role in litigation strategy and execution, including drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, and preparing for and taking depositions;
• Participate in workplace investigations.
  
  
  

We are looking for a candidate who is eager to learn, contribute, and grow with our Labor and Employment team. The ideal candidate will have:

• A demonstrated interest in labor and employment law;
• 2-5 years of experience in a law firm or in-house legal department;
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills;
• The ability to manage multiple projects, exercise sound judgment, and work both independently and collaboratively;
• A professional, client-service mindset and the ability to work effectively with attorneys, staff, and clients; and
• An active Ohio law license or the ability to become licensed to practice law in Ohio.
  
  
  

This is a full-time position with compensation commensurate with experience. Buckingham offers a collegial and supportive environment where associates receive meaningful mentorship, opportunities for professional development, and the resources needed to expand their skills and practice. We also provide excellent health and wellness benefits and a strong platform for attorneys who want to build long-term careers serving clients across a broad range of labor and employment matters.