Employment Law Associate

A law firm seeks a proactive Associate with approximately five to seven years of experience in defense-side employment litigation to support its Florham Park, New Jersey, office in a hybrid capacity. This role focuses on guiding employers through complex workplace disputes and compliance matters, partnering closely with in-house human resources teams and senior attorneys. The firm, known for its collaborative culture and robust caseload, offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff.

Duties

• Represent employers in litigation involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodations, and related workplace claims

• Provide counsel on employer compliance issues, including leaves of absence, performance improvement plans, wage-and-hour regulations, and termination processes

• Draft, review, and update employee handbooks, personnel policies, and employment agreements

• Collaborate with senior partners and HR professionals to develop preventative strategies and training modules for management on employment-law risks

• Conduct legal research, prepare pleadings, discovery requests/responses, motion practice, and attend depositions and hearings as needed

• Manage a personal caseload from inception through resolution, maintaining high standards of client communication and matter organization

Requirements

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience handling defense-oriented employment disputes in federal and state courts

• Demonstrated track record with discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and accommodation cases, plus familiarity advising on wage-and-hour and leave laws

• Proven ability to manage matters independently, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail and dedication to taking ownership of case strategy and client relationships

• Must be an active member in good standing with the New Jersey State Bar; admission in New York is strongly preferred

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

• Consistently strong academic performance (e.g., top of class, law review, moot court, or equivalent honors preferred)

Certifications

• Licensed to practice in New Jersey (required)

• Licensed or eligible for licensure in New York (preferred)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance with option for Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Dental and vision insurance plans

• Life insurance and employee assistance program

• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care

• 401(k) retirement plan with potential employer match

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• Optional voluntary programs: accident, life, disability, long-term care, critical illness, cancer, and pet insurance

• Commuter and transit benefit programs (where applicable)

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of building rapport with clients and colleagues

• Advanced legal writing and research capabilities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and mitigate employment-law risks

• Highly organized, able to juggle multiple matters and maintain accurate case records

• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset and eagerness to contribute to firm growth

As one of the largest law firms in the U.S. with more than 40 offices, it was founded in 1967. This full-service firm provides legal representation in banking and finance, blockchain, corporate, cybersecurity, energy, entertainment, environmental, food, gaming, health care, real estate, tax, hospitality, and others. This innovative law firm creates creative and efficient strategies that enable to improve predictability, provide better insights, and deliver more value. The firm is committed to diversity and appreciates all backgrounds. Having a collaborative environment, the attorneys and staff have achieved significant results in the legal community. The firm provides new associates with high-level training in client management, business development, collaboration, and cultural skills. Offering unique professional opportunities, the firm empowers attorneys at all levels to shape their paths to success. The firm has developed a strong commitment to giving back to the community and strives to make a difference by leading, volunteering, and donating to a wide range of causes. The firm has numerous recognition awards and awards for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation.