Overview Senior employment defense counsel to lead complex wage-and-hour, PAGA, class and individual disputes. You will manage a broad caseload, advise on risk and policy, mentor junior attorneys, and contribute to business development. The role blends strategic litigation leadership with client counseling and operational oversight, shaping defense strategies and budgeted staffing. This is a client-facing, impact-driven position within a litigation team that values practical guidance and results.
Responsibilities- Manage a broad caseload of employment defense matters including PAGA notices, class actions, and individual disputes
- Develop case strategy and supervise all litigation phases from pleadings to trial
- Draft and argue motions, briefs, and settlement documents; present orally in court and proceedings
- Counsel clients on employment law risks, internal investigations, and preventive measures
- Lead discovery efforts, e-discovery protocols, and manage vendors and experts
- Negotiate settlements and manage ADR processes with focus on cost-effective outcomes
- Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and staff; provide feedback on writing and strategy
- Manage client relationships, updates, budgets, and matter staffing; oversee billing
- Monitor developments in employment law and PAGA to update strategies and training
- Contribute to business development through pitches, thought leadership, and client training programs
Key requirements- 5+ years of litigation experience with emphasis on employment defense; wage-and-hour, PAGA, class actions, and disputes
- Strong client service and communication skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strategic thinking and risk assessment
- Extensive knowledge of employment law doctrines, wage-hour regulations, PAGA procedures, class action rules
- Experience managing complex litigation from inception to resolution
- Proficiency in overseeing discovery, e-discovery workflows, and privilege analyses
