Labor & Employment Counsel Attorney

Locations: San Francisco, CA | Los Angeles, CA
Salary: $350,000–$450,000

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Counsel to join a leading global law firm's Labor & Employment practice in San Francisco or Los Angeles. This opportunity is ideal for a senior attorney with 10+ years of employment litigation experience, including substantial experience handling single-plaintiff matters and wage-and-hour class actions.

The successful candidate will independently manage a sophisticated caseload, lead litigation strategy, supervise associates and legal staff, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients. This role also offers significant opportunities to contribute to business development and the continued growth of a collaborative, high-performing practice.

• Independently manage a full caseload of complex employment litigation matters.

• Handle all phases of litigation from case inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, trial, and appeal, as appropriate.

• Serve as lead counsel or day-to-day case manager on significant employment litigation matters.

• Represent employers in single-plaintiff employment disputes and wage-and-hour class actions.

• Develop and execute litigation strategy in collaboration with clients and firm leadership.

• Take and defend depositions and conduct witness preparation.

• Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions.

• Appear in court and handle hearings and other courtroom proceedings.

• Supervise associates, paralegals, and other legal staff.

• Delegate work effectively while maintaining responsibility for the quality and progress of matters.

• Serve as a primary client contact and develop strong, long-term client relationships.

• Provide employment advice and counseling to clients as needed.

• Manage multiple complex matters, deadlines, and client priorities simultaneously.

• Contribute to business development initiatives and help expand existing client relationships.

• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's broader Labor & Employment and litigation practices.

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• 10+ years of employment litigation experience.

• Substantial experience handling single-plaintiff employment matters and wage-and-hour class actions.

• Significant experience managing complex litigation matters independently.

• Extensive deposition and courtroom experience, including arguing motions and handling hearings.

• Demonstrated ability to lead litigation strategy and serve as the primary case manager.

• Experience supervising and mentoring associates and legal staff.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.

• Strong client relationship and communication skills.

• Experience with employment advice and counseling is preferred.

• Demonstrated interest and ability in business development and client relationship growth.

• Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters in a fast-paced environment.

• Active California Bar admission required.

• Competitive base salary of $350,000–$450,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.

• Paid family leave, sick time, and vacation.

• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.

• College savings and education assistance programs.

• Transportation benefits.

• Backup childcare and pet insurance.

• Excess liability insurance.

• Opportunity to take a leadership role in a sophisticated Labor & Employment practice while handling high-level litigation, developing client relationships, supervising attorneys, and contributing to business development.