Labor and Employment, Associate Attorney

Job Title: Labor & Employment Associate Attorney
Location: New York, NY
Annual base salary range: $310,000 $435,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Our Client is an award-winning firm, seeking a skilled and driven Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join its New York City office. This position offers the opportunity to work with a dynamic team representing employers in complex, high-stakes litigation as well as advisory and investigation matters across a variety of industries.

The role focuses primarily on employer-side litigation, particularly class and representative actions involving wage and hour and discrimination claims. The team also handles single-plaintiff disputes, internal investigations, and day-to-day employment counseling. Candidates should have at least four years of experience at a peer law firm working on employment matters, with a strong preference for those who have defended class and collective actions under state and federal employment laws.

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in federal and state courts in employment-related litigation, including wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims
• Defend employers in class and collective actions, particularly those brought under the FLSA, New York Labor Law (NYLL), and related statutes
• Manage all phases of litigation, including case strategy, discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation
• Conduct internal investigations into sensitive employment-related issues, such as harassment or whistleblower complaints
• Provide strategic counseling on a wide range of employment issues, including disciplinary actions, leaves of absence, employee classifications, wage/hour compliance, accommodations, and employee terminations
• Draft and review workplace policies, employee handbooks, employment contracts, and separation agreements
• Represent clients in proceedings before administrative agencies, such as the EEOC, NYSDHR, and NYCCHR
• Stay current on developments in New York and federal employment laws and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and client alerts

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited law school 

• Admission to the New York State Bar and in good standing

• Minimum of 4 years of labor and employment experience at a respected law firm
• Experience with New York Labor Law, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with class and collective actions and an understanding of representative litigation under federal and state wage/hour laws

• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• A client-focused, team-oriented approach to practice

Compensation & Benefits:

• Annual base salary range: $310,000 $435,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave

  • Basic life and disability insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • Discretionary, performance-based bonuses

We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.