Senior Employment Law Attorney

Dilectus Workforce Solutions; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Dilectus Workforce Solutions in California is seeking a seasoned Employment Law Attorney to defend employer clients in complex state and federal matters, including FEHA, Title VII, wage/hour, and PAGA actions. The role requires a California license and a track record of independent case management and client development.

You will mentor junior associates, lead strategy, manage cases from inception through resolution, and advise on workforce management and compliance with California employment

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience handling employer-side California employment litigation.
• Active California Bar license.
• Experience defending FEHA/Title VII, wage & hour, and PAGA/class actions.
• Ability to manage cases independently and mentor junior associates.
• Brings a portable book of business.

Responsibilities

• Defend employers in FEHA/Title VII, wage/hour, and PAGA actions in state and federal courts.
• Own cases from inception through resolution, including discovery and motions.
• Provide preventative counseling on workforce management and HR compliance.
• Grow the practice by servicing existing clients and developing your own clients.
• Lead case strategy and supervise junior associates with mentorship.
• Represent diverse clients from Silicon Valley tech to middle-market firms.

Skills

Business development

Client origination

FEHA/Title VII defense

PAGA / wage & hour

Trade secret litigation

Education

ABA-accredited law school

California Bar license

Job description

About the job Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Description

What we're looking for:

We are seeking a seasoned California-licensed employment litigator with at least 8 years of experience defending employers in a variety of complex matters. You should be comfortable managing cases independently, supervising junior associates, and have a track record of developing your own client relationships. Bonus points if you have experience at a well-regarded Bay Area regional or national firm and are looking for a platform with a clear path to partnership.

What you'll do:

• Defend employers in litigation involving FEHA/Title VII claims, wage and hour disputes, and PAGA class actions in state and federal courts.
• Take ownership of cases from inception through resolution, including handling discovery, law and motion, and appearing before agencies like the EEOC, CRD, and DLSE.
• Work closely with clients to provide preventative counseling on workforce management, HR policies, and compliance with California's complex employment laws.
• Contribute to the growth of the practice by servicing existing firm clients and developing your own portable book of business.
• Lead case strategy and supervise the work of junior associates, providing mentorship and guidance.
• Represent a diverse client base, from Silicon Valley tech companies to middle-market businesses, on their most critical employment law matters.

Seniority

• 8+ years of experience post JD handling employer-side California employment litigation (FEHA/Title VII defense, wage & hour, PAGA/class actions)

Work Experience

• Employer side defense experience only (no applicant side)
• Experience appearing before EEOC, CRD (DFEH), or DLSE.

Education

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school (they love regional CA schools)
• Must have an active California Bar license.
• JD years are 2017 or lower
• Law school prestige is secondary to practice quality; CA-school background preferred but not required

Hard Skills

• Proven business development and client origination skills.
• Defense of CA-specific employment claims (FEHA, PAGA).
• Experience with trade secret & unfair competition litigation.
• Bring at least a partial book of portable business.
• Willing to relocate to Silicon Valley, Tri-Valley, or Peninsula office.

Traits to Avoid

• Attorneys with a purely plaintiff-side or employee-side practice.
• Candidates without their own portable book of business.
• Practitioners with only HR counseling experience, no litigation.
• Candidates requiring any form of visa sponsorship.
• BigLaw associates with no direct client or business development experience.