Employment Law Senior Attorney School District Defense

A highly respected law firm is seeking a Senior Attorney to assume leadership of its School District Defense practice within the Employment Law Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing complex employment litigation on behalf of K–12 public school clients, advising district leadership on a broad range of regulatory and compliance matters, and supervising and mentoring a team of attorneys. This opportunity offers a flexible, primarily remote work arrangement within a professional, supportive environment dedicated to excellence in client service.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Case Leadership: Independently oversee all phases of school-district employment litigation—from intake and discovery through motion practice, trial preparation, and post-trial matters.
• Defense Strategy & Advocacy: Defend against wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims; manage agency investigations (EEOC, DFEH) and represent districts in administrative hearings.
• Client Counseling: Provide proactive legal advice to school boards, superintendents, and HR directors on Title IX, ADA, FMLA, collective bargaining, tenure, and related public-sector employment laws.
• Policy & Contract Drafting: Draft or review district policies, employment agreements, and administrative regulations to ensure compliance with state and federal education statutes.
• Training & Education: Design and deliver workshops on anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and employee-relations best practices tailored to district staff and leadership.
• Team Development: Mentor junior attorneys and support staff, providing constructive feedback, conducting case reviews, and fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment.]

Key Benefits

• Hybrid Flexibility: 90% remote with occasional in-office collaboration.
• Leadership Impact: Shape and grow a dedicated School District Defense practice within a respected national firm.
• Professional Growth: Access to firm-sponsored CLE, mentorship programs, and business-development support.
• Culture & Community: Join a collegial team committed to work–life balance, mutual respect, and shared success.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 10 years in employment defense litigation, including significant work for public-sector or school-district clients.
• Education & Licensing: JD from an ABA-accredited law school; active, in-good-standing California Bar membership.
• Litigation Skills: Proven track record in discovery management, motion practice, and, preferably, first- or second-chair trial experience in California Superior Court.
• Subject-Matter Expertise: Deep familiarity with California education codes, PAGA avoidance strategies, Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and collective bargaining regulations.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong mentor, strategist, and presenter with exceptional written and oral advocacy skills.

Salary & Benefits

• Base Salary: $230,000 – $300,000 (DOE)
• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with matching; paid leave; wellness programs; and CLE reimbursement

Additional Information

• Employment Type: Full-time, exempt
• Visa Sponsorship: Not provided
• Candidates must be California-based and available for occasional in-person court appearances and client meetings.