Labor & Employment Associate

Position Summary

Ogletree Deakins’ Orange County office has an opportunity for an Associate to join the firm’s employment litigation practice. The attorney will focus on defending clients in single and multi-plaintiff employment litigation (in court and arbitration) and investigating and responding to administrative charges. For those with an interest, the position also offers opportunities to provide advice and counsel on employment law-related matters, including handbook and policy preparation, training opportunities, and other day-to-day employment needs.

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. With offices throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, the firm represents a diverse range of clients and has a reputation for legal excellence and responsive client service. Unlike many other firms, we provide our attorneys with hands-on writing, publishing, and speaking opportunities and access to robust professional development training programs. The firm also offers a generous benefits package to all eligible employees.

Requirements

Juris Doctor. Qualified candidates must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in California. Must meet requirements for continuing licensure for law practice throughout employment.

Candidates should possess at least 5+ years of experience practicing in the field of California labor and employment law. Civil litigation and/or trial experience is also a plus.

Job requires excellent analytical and writing skills; strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task; passion for client service and practice development.

Excellent academics are expected.

Please note, we are not working with outside recruiters for this position.

Benefits

Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2027: In accordance with California’s amended labor code as stated in Senate Bill 1162, the expected salary range for this California position is between $245,000 and $300,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. This position qualifies for the benefits below.

Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our attorneys including: comprehensive training and development programs including an annual firm-wide Attorney Retreat, CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement, several competitive annual bonus programs, 401(k) plan, affordable health, and life insurance including dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, employee assistance program, back-up childcare program, and a paid parental leave on-ramping program.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please e-mail Brittney Padilla at Brittney.Padilla@ogletreedeakins.com with “ORA - Labor & Employment Associate ” in the subject li ne. Please note, applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.

Firm Overview

With more than 1,200 attorneys in 62 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. We handle all types of employment-related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by our Client Pledge , we focus on understanding clients’ business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Juris Doctor. Qualified candidates must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in California. Must meet requirements for continuing licensure for law practice throughout employment.

Candidates should possess at least 5+ years of experience practicing in the field of California labor and employment law. Civil litigation and/or trial experience is also a plus.

Job requires excellent analytical and writing skills; strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task; passion for client service and practice development.

Excellent academics are expected.

Please note, we are not working with outside recruiters for this position.