Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Employment Law Attorney to represent employers in complex employment litigation with a strong focus on Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters. This role is responsible for managing litigation from case assessment through resolution, advising clients on employment law compliance, developing legal strategies, and mentoring junior attorneys. The ideal candidate has extensive California employment law experience, exceptional litigation skills, and the ability to build trusted client relationships while contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Employment Litigation

• Manage complex employment law matters with an emphasis on PAGA claims and other wage and hour litigation.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies from initial case evaluation through settlement, arbitration, trial, or appeal.
• Draft, review, and argue pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal filings.
• Oversee all phases of discovery, including document production, depositions, expert coordination, and witness preparation.
• Represent clients in court appearances, mediations, arbitrations, hearings, and settlement conferences.

Client Advisory & Employment Compliance

• Advise employers on compliance with California employment laws and regulations.
• Conduct legal risk assessments and provide practical guidance on wage and hour compliance, employee classification, meal and rest break policies, and other employment practices.
• Assist clients in developing and updating workplace policies and procedures to minimize legal exposure.
• Monitor legislative and case law developments and advise clients on regulatory changes affecting employment practices.

Client Relationship Management & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients by providing responsive and strategic legal counsel.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on employment law matters and litigation risk.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business development initiatives.
• Participate in client presentations, seminars, workshops, and educational programs on employment law topics.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and supervise junior attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff.
• Review legal work product to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with professional standards.
• Provide guidance on litigation strategy, legal research, and case management.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that supports professional growth and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Minimum of 7–8 years of California employment law litigation experience.
• Significant experience handling PAGA and wage and hour litigation.
• Strong knowledge of California labor and employment laws.
• Demonstrated experience managing cases through all phases of litigation.
• Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and case management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience defending employers in complex employment litigation.
• Experience handling class actions and representative actions.
• Proven client development and business relationship management skills.
• Prior experience mentoring or supervising attorneys and legal staff.
• Strong courtroom, mediation, and settlement negotiation experience.