Labor and Employment Associate Attorney

A law firm based in Long Beach, California, seeks a dedicated and skilled Associate Attorney to join its team, focusing primarily on workplace law and employment-related legal matters. This position offers a rewarding opportunity for an attorney with 3 to 5 years of post-law school experience who thrives when working closely with business owners, human resource leaders, and management teams to resolve workforce challenges. The firm is also open to considering litigation attorneys from other practice areas who possess strong courtroom, research, and analytical capabilities—and are eager to expand their expertise into labor and employment law.

Key Responsibilities

• Represents businesses and leadership teams in workplace-related legal disputes, regulatory matters, and proactive compliance initiatives.
• Assists with legal counsel related to employment policies, practices, and contracts, ensuring alignment with state and federal laws.
• Drafts, revises, and analyzes employee handbooks, contracts, internal policies, and separation agreements.
• Provides legal guidance on hiring practices, disciplinary actions, terminations, wage-and-hour compliance, and workplace investigations.
• Partners with clients to develop tailored strategies to reduce the risk of litigation and foster legally sound workplace environments.
• Handles discovery, prepares legal briefs, and conducts legal research to support labor and employment cases in administrative hearings, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
• Represents clients in pre-litigation negotiations and dispute resolution processes, including mediations and settlement discussions.
• Stays informed on evolving employment regulations and case law to provide timely, proactive legal advice to clients.
• Works closely with senior attorneys and firm leadership to deliver high-quality client service, ensuring responsiveness and thoughtful legal counsel.
• Collaborates with clients to create educational materials and deliver training sessions on employment best practices, workplace policies, and compliance topics.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Active California State Bar membership in good standing.
• 3 to 5 years of experience practicing law, ideally focused on employment or labor issues; however, candidates with substantial general litigation experience and a demonstrated interest in transitioning into labor and employment law will also be considered.
• Proven experience working with businesses or organizational leadership teams, offering counsel on legal risks, internal policies, and employee-related legal issues.
• Prior exposure to administrative proceedings before agencies such as the EEOC, DFEH, or NLRB is highly valued but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and effectively prioritize in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with an emphasis on clear client communication and persuasive legal writing.
• Familiarity with California employment laws, wage and hour regulations, and leave laws is strongly preferred.
• Analytical thinker with sound judgment, creative problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to identifying legal solutions for clients.

Desired Competencies & Skills

• Skilled legal researcher with proficiency using tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or equivalent research platforms.
• Comfortable drafting complex legal documents and correspondence, ensuring both clarity and legal precision.
• Effective public speaker capable of presenting legal concepts to clients, company leaders, or professional groups.
• Strong client service mindset with a focus on building long-term professional relationships.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and a commitment to delivering thorough and accurate legal work.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also managing independent case assignments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Participation in a retirement savings plan with firm contributions.
• Access to health and dental insurance plans, with employer contributions to premiums.
• Coverage for short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience and qualifications.