Labor & Employment Associate (3-5 yrs) – San Francisco/San Rafael
Firm Description:
Our client is a California-based AmLaw 200 law firm with over 200 attorneys across six offices. Known for its progressive values and commitment to social impact, the firm was the first to be recognized as a certified B Corp and helped draft the legal framework for B Corp certification. It offers comprehensive legal services across industries including healthcare, construction, transportation, and public agency law. The firm is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fosters a collaborative culture that supports professional growth and community engagement.
Position Description:
Labor & Employment Associate (Public Sector)
Our client, a highly regarded California law firm, is seeking a mid-level Labor & Employment Associate with 3-5 years of experience to join its Labor & Employment practice in either San Francisco or San Rafael.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney interested in representing public agencies and special districts on a broad range of employment, labor, governance, investigation, and litigation matters. The role combines significant courtroom and hearing experience with day-to-day advisory work, providing meaningful client interaction and responsibility from the outset.
Responsibilities
Employment Litigation & Administrative Proceedings
- Represent public agency clients in:
- Employment litigation
- Arbitrations
- Administrative hearings
- Employee discipline appeals
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- Draft arbitration briefs, motions, and other advocacy materials
- Prepare witnesses and manage matters through hearing and resolution
- Develop litigation strategy and advise clients regarding risk management and dispute resolution
Employment Counseling
- Advise public employers on:
- Employee discipline and performance management
- Leave of absence issues
- Wage and hour compliance
- Disability accommodation matters
- Workplace policies and procedures
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- Provide practical legal guidance regarding day-to-day employment issues affecting public sector workforces
Workplace Investigations
- Conduct and support investigations involving:
- Discrimination claims
- Harassment allegations
- Retaliation complaints
- Other workplace misconduct matters
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- Prepare investigative findings and recommendations
Labor Relations
- Support labor negotiations and collective bargaining matters
- Advise clients regarding represented and unrepresented employees
- Counsel agencies regarding issues involving public safety personnel and labor-management relations
Government Law & Governance
- Advise clients regarding:
- Public records compliance
- Open meeting requirements
- Ethics and government transparency obligations
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- Draft and deliver trainings for:
- Boards and commissions
- Human resources professionals
- Executive leadership teams
- Agency management
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Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with the California Bar
- 3-5 years of labor and employment law experience
- Strong litigation, research, writing, and advocacy skills
- Ability to manage client relationships and provide practical legal advice
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously
- Comfort working both independently and collaboratively
Preferred Experience
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
- Public agency or public entity representation
- California employment law
- Workplace investigations
- Government law matters
- Wage and hour compliance
- Public records and open meeting laws
- Public sector labor relations
Familiarity with:
- FEHA
- FLSA
- FMLA/CFRA
- POBR
- FBOR
- Public records and governance issues
Why This Opportunity
Our client offers attorneys the opportunity to serve as trusted advisors to public agencies while handling sophisticated employment and governance matters. Attorneys benefit from:
- Significant client contact and direct responsibility
- A blend of litigation, investigations, labor relations, and counseling work
- Exposure to impactful public sector matters
- Strong mentorship and professional development
- Collaborative and collegial team culture
- Long-term growth opportunities within a respected public law practice
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $205,000 – $245,000 annually
- Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and professional skills
Locations
- San Francisco, California
- San Rafael, California
Work Arrangement
- Hybrid work environment
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume
- Law School Transcript
- Writing Sample (if requested)
Meet Your Recruiter
Samir Metovic
Director of Legal Recruiting
