Wage & Hour Associate, Mid to Senior Level

California Job Shop; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A law firm in California is looking for a Wage & Hour Associate at the mid to senior level for their Irvine office. The role involves litigation regarding wage and hour claims under California and federal laws. Ideal candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include managing cases from inception through resolution and working closely with experienced litigators. The position offers a collaborative culture and significant client interaction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in wage and hour litigation.
• Proven ability to manage cases through all phases.
• Comfortable with compliance analysis and legal strategy.

Responsibilities

• Participate in wage and hour litigation for employers.
• Manage drafting of pleadings and dispositive motions.
• Develop strategy for PAGA representative actions.

Skills

Litigating claims under the California Labor Code

Managing matters from inception through resolution

Drafting pleadings and dispositive motions

Taking and defending depositions

Analyzing wage and hour compliance issues

Strong analytical and writing skills

Education

JD from an ABA-accredited law school

Admission to the California Bar

Job description

Wage & Hour Associate, Mid to Senior Level

Our client's Irvine office is seeking associates with five or more years of experience to join our wage and hour litigation team. Based in the heart of Orange County, our Irvine attorneys defend employers in complex, high‑exposure wage and hour class, collective, and representative actions in state and federal courts throughout California.

• Ideal candidates will bring substantial experience litigating claims under the California Labor Code, the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with a proven ability to manage matters from inception through resolution.
• This includes significant responsibility for drafting pleadings and dispositive motions, managing written discovery, taking and defending depositions, and preparing and arguing key motions, including class certification and decertification.
• Candidates should also be comfortable developing strategy in PAGA representative actions and analyzing core wage and hour compliance issues such as exemption classifications, regular rate calculations, meal and rest period practices, pay statement claims, and waiting time penalties.
• Successful applicants will demonstrate strong academic credentials, exceptional analytical and writing skills, and the ability to handle multiple complex matters in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Admission to the California Bar and a JD from an ABA‑accredited law school are required.

The client's Irvine office offers a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, meaningful client contact, and the opportunity to work closely with experienced wage and hour litigators serving employers throughout Orange County and across the state.