Senior Employment Law Attorney

Job Description

What we're looking for:

We are seeking a seasoned California-licensed employment litigator with at least 8 years of experience defending employers in a variety of complex matters. You should be comfortable managing cases independently, supervising junior associates, and have a track record of developing your own client relationships. Bonus points if you have experience at a well-regarded Bay Area regional or national firm and are looking for a platform with a clear path to partnership.

What you'll do:

• Defend employers in litigation involving FEHA/Title VII claims, wage and hour disputes, and PAGA class actions in state and federal courts.
• Take ownership of cases from inception through resolution, including handling discovery, law and motion, and appearing before agencies like the EEOC, CRD, and DLSE.
• Work closely with clients to provide preventative counseling on workforce management, HR policies, and compliance with California's complex employment laws.
• Contribute to the growth of the practice by servicing existing firm clients and developing your own portable book of business.
• Lead case strategy and supervise the work of junior associates, providing mentorship and guidance.
• Represent a diverse client base, from Silicon Valley tech companies to middle-market businesses, on their most critical employment law matters.

Seniority

• 8+ years of experience post JD handling employer-side California employment litigation (FEHA/Title VII defense, wage & hour, PAGA/class actions)

Work Experience

• Experience at a mid-size Bay Area or reputable employment boutique firm.
• Employer side defense experience only (no applicant side)
• Experience appearing before EEOC, CRD (DFEH), or DLSE.

Education

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school (they love regional CA schools)
• Must have an active California Bar license.
• JD years are 2017 or lower
• Law school prestige is secondary to practice quality; CA-school background preferred but not required

Hard Skills

• Proven business development and client origination skills.
• Defense of CA-specific employment claims (FEHA, PAGA).
• Experience with trade secret & unfair competition litigation.
• Proven track record handling complex employment law matters.

Miscellaneous

• Bring at least a partial book of portable business.
• Willing to relocate to Silicon Valley, Tri-Valley, or Peninsula office.

Traits to Avoid

• Attorneys with a purely plaintiff-side or employee-side practice.
• Candidates without their own portable book of business.
• Practitioners with only HR counseling experience, no litigation.
• Candidates requiring any form of visa sponsorship.
• BigLaw associates with no direct client or business development experience.