San Diego - Mid-Level Employment Litigation Associate Attorney

Joseph Michaels International; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonuses & profit-sharing potential

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with employer contribution

Parental leave

FSA/HSA

Employee assistance program

Mentorship and training programs

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International in San Diego seeks a mid-level Employment Litigation Associate to handle California Wage & Hour class actions, PAGA matters, and related disputes for employers. You will draft pleadings, manage discovery, and assist with trial preparation in a dynamic, high-stakes practice.

The role offers extensive mentorship, hands-on litigation experience, and a clear path for career advancement within a premier labor and employment team.

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academic record.
• Active California Bar Admission, in good standing.
• 3+ years of employment litigation experience including Wage & Hour and PAGA.
• Drafting and responding to discovery and initial pleadings.
• Experience drafting and arguing motions, and taking/defending depositions.
• Strong writing, analytical and research skills; ability to manage multiple workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in Wage & Hour class actions, collective actions and PAGA.
• 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.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, and clients on case strategy.

Skills

Employment litigation

Discovery & pleadings

Motions & depositions

Legal writing

Research & analysis

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

California Bar Admission

Job description

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Location: San Diego, CA

Our client, an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm, is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in San Diego. This role offers the opportunity to handle complex California Wage & Hour claims and Private Attorneys General Act (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
• 3+ years of substantive employment litigation experience, including California Wage & Hour class and collective actions as well as 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 employment litigation, including Wage & Hour-related class actions and collective actions and PAGA claims
• 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, collective 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 $210,000-270,000, based on experience, qualifications, and market factors
• Eligibility for bonuses 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.