Labor amp Employment Counsel

A law firm seeks a highly experienced Labor & Employment Counsel to join its team in Los Angeles, CA. This full-time position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of labor and employment matters, including single-plaintiff litigation, class actions, and employment counseling. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on defense in employment litigation and the ability to manage cases from start to finish independently.

Duties

1. Defend clients against single-plaintiff litigation matters such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, and reasonable accommodation cases
2. Handle PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) matters and class action lawsuits
3. Manage cases independently from inception through resolution, including drafting and responding to pleadings and discovery
4. Draft and argue motions, including dispositive and discovery motions
5. Take and defend depositions, including plaintiffs' depositions and corporate witness depositions
6. Provide employment counseling on both federal and state employment laws and regulations
7. Conduct legal research and stay up to date with changes in labor and employment law
8. Collaborate with internal teams to develop and implement strategies for case resolution
9. Maintain a professional and consultative relationship with clients throughout litigation
10. Manage a smaller portable book of business (ideal but not required)

Requirements

1. Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
2. Active California State Bar membership, in good standing
3. 8-12 years of experience in labor and employment law, specifically in defending against employment-related lawsuits and advising on employment matters
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft complex legal documents and advocate effectively in court
5. Experience with PAGA claims, class actions, and individual employment lawsuits
6. Proven ability to manage and independently handle cases from start to finish
7. Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to navigate complex legal issues
8. Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently when needed

Education

1. Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications

1. Active California State Bar membership

Skills

1. Expertise in employment law, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and reasonable accommodation claims
2. Proficient in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
3. Strong writing and drafting skills, including the preparation of motions, briefs, and discovery responses
4. Proven litigation skills, including deposition taking and defending, and trial preparation
5. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment
6. Client service-oriented with the ability to manage client relationships effectively