Employment Litigation Attorney

A law firm seeks a dedicated employment litigation attorney with a minimum of two years of recent experience to join its Pleasanton, CA, office. This role offers the chance to advocate for employers and employees in a variety of workplace disputes, handling matters from initial pleadings through trial and appeal. The attorney will work alongside a collaborative team, contributing to a vibrant practice and sharpening litigation skills in a supportive environment.

Job Overview

• The selected attorney will manage a caseload of employment-related controversies, including wrongful termination, discrimination claims, wage-and-hour disputes, and harassment allegations.

• This position combines courtroom advocacy, motion practice, and client counseling, requiring comfort with both written and oral advocacy.

• A proactive approach to client service and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving legal issues are essential.

Key Duties

• Evaluate new matters: review incoming employment complaints, conduct conflict checks, and prepare initial case assessments.

• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, and discovery requests concerning workplace disputes, such as demurrers, summary judgment motions, and cross-complaints.

• Conduct factual and legal research on state and federal employment statutes, local ordinances, and relevant case law to inform strategic decision-making.

• Engage in depositions of employees, supervisors, and expert witnesses; prepare outlines and exhibits to support questioning.

• Negotiate confidential settlements with opposing counsel and represent clients in mediation settings.

• Attend and argue at administrative hearings before agencies such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

• Prepare clients for depositions and trial testimony; guide them through litigation timelines and strategy.

• Collaborate with senior partners to develop case strategy, draft briefs, and gauge potential risk exposure.

• Manage document production, meet litigation deadlines, and maintain organized case files using electronic case‐management tools.

• Mentor junior associates and paralegals, reviewing their work product, providing feedback, and assisting with complex legal questions.

Experience & Requirements

• At least two years of hands-on experience handling employment-related lawsuits.

• Admission to the California Bar and good standing in all jurisdictions where licensed.

• Demonstrated proficiency in motion practice, including drafting dispositive motions and dealing with complex discovery disputes.

• Familiarity with California employment statutes (e.g., FEHA, Labor Code) as well as federal statutes (e.g., Title VII, FMLA, ADA).

• Strong track record of managing multiple litigation matters simultaneously under tight timeframes.

• Excellent written advocacy skills, including the ability to craft persuasive memoranda and letters.

• Confident oral advocacy, with previous courtroom or hearing experience preferred.

• High level of client service orientation: adept at translating legal concepts into practical advice and maintaining open communication.

• Self‐starter mentality with the capacity to work independently while also contributing to a team environment.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA‐accredited law school, with coursework or practical exposure to employment or labor law.

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, ideally demonstrating strong research and writing abilities.

Certifications & Licenses

• Active California law license; federal court admissions (e.g., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California) are a plus.

• Completion of continuing legal education (CLE) in employment litigation, trial advocacy, or related areas.

• Mediation training or certification (e.g., ADR certificate) will be viewed favorably.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Advanced legal research skills: ability to navigate Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other databases to identify pertinent authorities.

• Exceptional drafting and editing abilities: produce clear, concise briefs, motions, and settlement proposals.

• Negotiation acumen: adept at resolving disputes through both formal mediation and informal settlement discussions.

• Strong interpersonal skills: capable of building rapport with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel.

• Analytical mindset: dissect complex factual scenarios, identify potential legal issues, and develop strategic responses.

• Time‐management and organizational skills: juggle overlapping deadlines, maintain meticulous case files, and prioritize urgent tasks effectively.

• Technological proficiency: familiarity with electronic filing systems (e.g., Court’s e‐filing portals), document management software, and basic e‐discovery platforms.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and market standards.

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.

• Employer-funded contributions toward health and dental insurance.

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• A collegial atmosphere that encourages professional development, work-life balance, and mentorship.