Senior Employment Litigation Associate (Wage & Hour, PAGA)

CareerNerds, LLC; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client is an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm seeking a mid to senior-level Associate Attorney to join its Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in Orange County. The role focuses on handling complex California wage & hour class actions and PAGA matters for employers, with exposure to high-stakes litigation and risk-management advice.

Ideal candidates hold a JD from a top-tier law school, active CA Bar admission, and 4–7 years in employment litigation, including wage &

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academic record.
• Active California Bar admission in good standing.
• 4–7 years of substantive employment litigation experience.
• Experience handling California wage & hour class actions and 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 ability to manage multiple workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in California wage & hour class actions and PAGA litigation.
• 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.

Skills

J.D. from top-tier law school

California Bar

4–7 years employment litigation

California wage & hour class actions

PAGA claims

Discovery drafting

Initial pleadings drafting

Motions drafting & arguing

Depositions taking & defending

Strong writing/research

Multi-tasking in fast-paced env

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Our client is an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm seeking a mid to senior-level Associate Attorney to join its Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in Orange County. The role focuses on handling complex California wage & hour class actions and PAGA matters for employers, with exposure to high-stakes litigation and risk-management advice.

Ideal candidates hold a JD from a top-tier law school, active CA Bar admission, and 4–7 years in employment litigation, including wage &