Senior Employment Defense Attorney

Salary: $220k-$250k/yr

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Employment Defense Attorney to lead and manage complex employment-related litigation matters on behalf of employer clients. The role focuses on defending actions arising under wage-and-hour laws, FEHA, PAGA, and related employment statutes, as well as commercial litigation where appropriate. The Senior Attorney will develop case strategy, supervise litigation teams, handle depositions and jury trials, advise clients on risk mitigation, and contribute to business development and training efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a high-volume, complex employment defense caseload from intake through resolution, including trial and post-trial work.
• Develop litigation strategy and oversee case budgeting, discovery plans, motions practice, and pretrial preparation.
• Conduct and defend depositions, prepare witnesses, and manage all aspects of trial preparation and jury trial conduct.
• Defend claims under PAGA, wage-and-hour statutes, FEHA, FLSA and related employment laws, and handle related commercial litigation matters as needed.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, pleadings, briefs, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents.
• Counsel and proactively advise employer clients on risk management, employment policies, investigations, discipline, and compliance matters to reduce exposure to claims.
• Supervise, mentor, and train junior attorneys, paralegals, and litigation support staff; review work product for quality and consistency.
• Manage relationships with clients, provide regular case updates, and participate in client meetings and strategy sessions.
• Pursue and support alternative dispute resolution efforts including mediations and settlement negotiations when in the clients best interest.
• Contribute to business development by maintaining client relationships, participating in proposals, and supporting marketing and thought leadership initiatives.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar (admission required).
• Minimum of 7+ years of employment defense litigation experience, with demonstrated success handling PAGA, wage-and-hour, and FEHA matters.
• Proven trial experience, including conducting jury trials and significant courtroom time; strong deposition experience for both taking and defending depositions.
• Substantial experience in commercial litigation and defending complex employment-related class, collective, and individual actions preferred.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, including motion practice and appellate briefing experience a plus.
• Strong client-management and counseling abilities; experience advising employers on compliance, investigations, and policy development.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience mentoring junior attorneys and managing litigation teams.
• Ability to manage a heavy caseload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and strong ethical standards; commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and delivering high-quality legal services.
• Willingness to travel as needed for depositions, court appearances, and client meetings; business development aptitude preferred.

Benefits

Vacation/PTO
 

Medical
 

Dental
 

Vision
 

401k
 

Bonus
 

Relocation
 

Telecommute