Senior Counsel Attorney (CA)

Top Dog Recruiting; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Performance bonuses

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Top Dog Recruiting seeks a Senior Counsel Attorney to join a global law firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group in California. Hybrid locations in Los Angeles and Irvine offer significant responsibility in handling high-exposure employment matters for employers, corporations, and public entities.

The role emphasizes case strategy, direct client interaction, courtroom advocacy, and trial work, with mentorship of junior attorneys and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with a strong academic record.
• Active California Bar admission in good standing.
• Significant background in labor and employment litigation representing employers.
• Public entity representation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage litigation through all phases of the lifecycle.
• Substantial proficiency handling depositions, motion practice, mediations, and court appearances.
• Strong knowledge of California employment law, including FEHA and federal statutes.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a sophisticated caseload of approximately 10–20 employment litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Investigate claims, evaluate potential exposure, and develop comprehensive case-handling strategies.
• Analyze complaints in state and federal courts and prepare appropriate responses.
• Draft and respond to written discovery and oversee document review and production.
• Conduct substantive legal research and analysis.
• Take and defend expert and fact witness depositions.
• Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, and other court filings.
• Attend court hearings and argue motions.
• Prepare pretrial and trial submissions.
• Develop cases for mediation and trial and actively participate in both.
• Maintain direct communication with clients regarding strategy and developments.
• Co-chair matters proceeding to trial and mentor junior attorneys.

Skills

JD

California Bar

Employment litigation

Labor & Employment law

Case management

Depositions

Mediation and court appearances

FEHA knowledge

Oral advocacy

Mentoring junior attorneys

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

SENIOR COUNSEL ATTORNEY

Labor & Employment Practice Group

Locations: Los Angeles & Irvine, CA

HYBRID

Our client, a global law firm, is seeking an accomplished Senior Counsel to join its growing Labor & Employment practice in California. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned employment litigator to handle sophisticated, high-exposure matters for employers, corporations, and public entities. The position offers significant responsibility for case strategy and management, direct client interaction, courtroom advocacy, and trial work, along with opportunities to mentor junior attorneys.

Candidate Profile

• JD from an accredited law school with a strong academic record
• Active California Bar admission, in good standing
• Significant background in labor and employment litigation representing employers
• Public entity representation strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage litigation through all phases of the case lifecycle
• Substantial proficiency handling depositions, motion practice, mediations, and court appearances
• Strong knowledge of California employment law, including claims involving FEHA and federal employment statutes
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and communication skills
• Strong oral advocacy and interpersonal capabilities
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions efficiently
• Commitment to mentoring and providing guidance to junior associates

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a sophisticated caseload of approximately 10–20 employment litigation matters from inception through resolution
• Investigate claims, evaluate potential exposure, and develop comprehensive case-handling strategies
• Analyze complaints filed in California state and federal courts and prepare appropriate responses
• Draft and respond to written discovery and oversee document review and production
• Conduct substantive legal research and analysis
• Take and defend expert and fact witness depositions
• Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, and other substantive court filings
• Attend court hearings and argue motions
• Prepare pretrial and trial submissions
• Develop cases for mediation and trial and actively participate in both
• Maintain direct and effective communication with clients regarding case strategy, developments, and resolution
• Co-chair matters proceeding to trial, including direct and cross-examination of witnesses, trial motion practice, and jury selection
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior attorneys

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior role within a growing Labor & Employment practice while handling sophisticated matters for employers, corporations, and public entities. You’ll enjoy substantial autonomy over your caseload, meaningful client interaction, and hands-on courtroom and trial opportunities. The firm also emphasizes professional development, mentorship, flexibility, and attorney well-being within a collaborative global environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $230,000–$275,000, with compensation determined based on qualifications, background, training, licensure, certifications, location, and business needs
• Hybrid Work Flexibility: Combination of remote and in-office work
• Performance Bonuses: Annual performance-based bonus opportunities, plus a monthly bonus program offering the potential to earn up to $2,000 per month
• Student Debt Repayment: Eligible attorneys may receive a $250 monthly payment toward qualifying higher-education student loans
• Professional Development: Mentorship, training, and career-development resources
• Wellness Benefits: $300 annually toward eligible wellness activities, plus a dedicated Wellbeing Day
• Parental Leave: Six months of fully paid parental leave
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to participate in client-facing events throughout North America and explore international offices
• Retirement Benefits: Retirement benefits beginning on the first day of employment with immediate vesting

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a resume for consideration.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.