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About the job

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Location: San Diego, CA

Our client, an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm , is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Labor & Employment Litigation Practice in San Diego . This role offers the opportunity to handle complex California Wage & Hour claims and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters, representing employers in high-stakes litigation and advising on compliance and risk management strategies.

Candidate Profile

JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record

Active Bar Admission in California , in good standing

3+ years of substantive employment litigation experience, including California Wage & Hour class and collective actions as well as 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 the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment

Soft Skills: Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong communication and organizational skills

Key Responsibilities

Represent employers in California employment litigation, including Wage & Hour -related class actions and collective actions and PAGA claims

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 and provide practical solutions

Why Join Us?

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a premier labor and employment law firm , recognized for their excellence in handling high-profile wage & hour litigation, class actions, collective actions, and PAGA litigation. In this role, you will handle sophisticated litigation matters impacting major employers across California and beyond. Attorneys in this practice benefit from direct client interaction, hands-on litigation experience, ongoing training, and meaningful opportunities for advancement. The firm fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where talented attorneys thrive through mentorship , professional development support , and exposure to cutting-edge labor and employment issues.

For driven associates seeking to cultivate deep subject-matter expertise and advance within a market-leading practice , this role provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth .

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive Salary : Annual base salary expected to range from $210,000 – $270,000 , based on experience, qualifications, and market factors

Eligibility for bonuses and profit-sharing

Comprehensive Benefits Package : Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid time off; paid parental leave; 401(k) with employer contribution; family/dependent care leave; FSA/HSA; and an employee assistance program

Additional Benefits : Optional critical care, accident and hospital indemnity coverage, domestic partner benefits, student loan refinancing support; dependent life insurance; and pet insurance

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a resume , cover letter , law school transcript , and writing sample (10 pages max, substantially unedited by others) for consideration.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer .

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