Senior Employment Counsel - CA Litigation Leader (Hybrid)

Essenti Talent; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Performance bonus

Student loan repayment

Professional development

Wellness stipend

Parental leave

Global mobility

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Essenti Talent is representing a global law firm seeking a Senior Counsel to join its Labor & Employment practice in California. Hybrid role in Los Angeles and Irvine, CA, handling sophisticated employment litigation for employers, corporations, and public entities.

The candidate will lead case strategy, manage matters end-to-end, interact with clients, and participate in courtroom advocacy and trial work while mentoring junior attorneys in a fast-paced environment.

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.
• 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 FEHA and federal 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.

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 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.

Skills

Labor & Employment litigation

California Bar admission

Case management

Depositions

Motions & discovery

Trial & courtroom work

California employment law (FEHA)

Legal research & writing

Mentoring junior attorneys

Client communication

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Job description

Essenti Talent is representing a global law firm seeking a Senior Counsel to join its Labor & Employment practice in California. Hybrid role in Los Angeles and Irvine, CA, handling sophisticated employment litigation for employers, corporations, and public entities.

The candidate will lead case strategy, manage matters end-to-end, interact with clients, and participate in courtroom advocacy and trial work while mentoring junior attorneys in a fast-paced environment.