Labor & Employment Litigation Associate Attorney (MidSenior Level)

Labor & Employment Litigation Associate Attorney (Mid–Senior Level)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Litigation Associate to join the Pittsburgh office of a leading Am Law firm. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 5+ years of labor and employment litigation experience who is looking to work on high-stakes employment disputes, executive mobility matters, and employment issues arising from sophisticated private equity and M&A transactions.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys handling urgent and strategically significant matters, and has experience advising corporate clients and private equity sponsors on complex employment-related risks.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in complex labor and employment litigation in state and federal courts.
• Litigate restrictive covenant, non-compete, trade secret, and unfair competition disputes, including matters involving emergency injunctive relief.
• Advise companies and senior executives on executive mobility issues, including hiring, departures, restrictive covenants, and compensation arrangements.
• Counsel clients on employment law compliance, workforce risk management, and sensitive personnel matters.
• Support private equity sponsors and corporate clients on employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, workforce integration, and post-closing employment matters.
• Assist with internal investigations involving whistleblower allegations, employee misconduct, and reputational concerns.
• Draft briefs, motions, pleadings, and other litigation filings while managing multiple sophisticated matters.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients to develop practical, business-focused legal strategies.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 5+ years of labor and employment litigation experience, or commercial litigation involving employment-related issues.
• Experience handling restrictive covenant, trade secret, or unfair competition litigation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with preliminary injunctions, temporary restraining orders, or other expedited litigation is highly desirable.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple high-priority matters.
• Ability to advise corporate clients, private equity sponsors, and senior executives on complex employment issues.
• Active membership in the Pennsylvania Bar.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, including bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, and firm-sponsored wellness programs.
• Hybrid work environment with access to advanced legal technology, professional development resources, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities to work on sophisticated employment litigation and transactional matters within a nationally recognized labor and employment practice.