Senior Wage & Hour Litigator – Complex CA Defense

Joseph Michaels International; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International is seeking an Associate Attorney to join a wage & hour litigation practice in Irvine, California. The role targets candidates with 5+ years of litigation experience and solid California employment law knowledge, including PAGA and the FLSA, to handle complex California wage & hour disputes in state and federal court.

The attorney will own matters, handle depositions, and manage significant discovery while collaborating with colleagues across the labor and employment

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California Bar.
• 5+ years of litigation experience, preferably with substantial wage and hour defense experience.
• Working knowledge of the California Labor Code, PAGA, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Demonstrated experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and substantive legal writing.
• Strong analytical judgment and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical litigation strategy.
• Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters while working effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Strong academic background and excellent written and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy and help drive matters from early assessment through resolution.
• Take and defend depositions and manage significant written discovery.
• Research, draft, and argue substantive motions, including dispositive and class-related motions.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and other key litigation documents.
• Evaluate and develop strategy for representative actions brought under PAGA.
• Analyze wage and hour issues involving employee classification, regular-rate calculations, meal and rest periods, wage statements, and waiting-time penalties.
• Work directly with clients and collaborate with attorneys across the broader labor and employment practice.

Skills

Analytical judgment

Written and oral advocacy

Litigation strategy

Collaboration

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Joseph Michaels International is seeking an Associate Attorney to join a wage & hour litigation practice in Irvine, California. The role targets candidates with 5+ years of litigation experience and solid California employment law knowledge, including PAGA and the FLSA, to handle complex California wage & hour disputes in state and federal court.

The attorney will own matters, handle depositions, and manage significant discovery while collaborating with colleagues across the labor and employment