Employment Defense Litigation Associate

About us: At Spin, recruitment is about more than filling roles; it's about creating real human connections. We partner with leading U.S. companies to help them hire exceptional talent through a true direct-hire process, ensuring candidates join our clients' teams directly while we support them throughout the journey.

About our partner: You'll join an established boutique law firm in the Los Angeles area that has represented employers exclusively for nearly five decades — ranked among the top employment law firms in Los Angeles and California by a leading legal directory, and well regarded by both the plaintiff and defense bars.

We're looking for an employment defense litigation associate who enjoys hands-on litigation and real client relationships. You'll move cases forward, exercise sound judgment, and run day-to-day litigation while working directly with experienced partners on strategy and key decisions — with more autonomy as your experience grows.

The role goes beyond litigation: you'll advise employers on workplace issues, develop and present training, and — if you want it — build your own book of business with the firm's support.

What You'll Do

Own cases end to end. Represent employers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour matters, from initial evaluation and pleadings through discovery, motions, mediation, settlement, and trial preparation.
Strategy. Assess claims and defenses, investigate facts, and build practical litigation strategies with the supervising partner.
Pleadings. Draft answers, affirmative defenses, demurrers, and motions to strike.
Discovery. Draft written discovery, work directly with clients to prepare accurate responses and verifications, and coordinate document review and productions — privilege, confidentiality, redactions, and privilege logs.
Discovery disputes. Evaluate opposing responses, draft meet-and-confer letters, confer with opposing counsel, and draft and oppose motions to compel, including separate statements and declarations. Appear at discovery conferences and hearings.
Depositions. Prepare for, take, and defend depositions, including preparing clients and witnesses.
Motion practice. Draft substantive motions, oppositions, and replies, including summary judgment/adjudication and motions to compel arbitration.
Resolution and trial. Prepare mediation briefs and case assessments, join settlement discussions, and support arbitration and trial.
Client management. Keep deadlines, communicate regularly with clients, and keep the partner informed of significant developments.
Advisory work. Depending on experience and interest, advise on employment practices and compliance, present workplace training, and take part in networking and business development.

What You Bring

2–5 years of substantive employment litigation experience.
Active California State Bar membership in good standing.
At least two full years of litigation practice as a licensed attorney, including hands-on employment defense. Internships, summer associate roles, and pre-admission clerk work don't count toward this minimum.
Experience handling cases through multiple stages of litigation and managing routine litigation tasks independently.
Strong discovery and motion-writing skills, deposition experience, and command of California civil procedure and employment law.
Clear, persuasive writing, attention to detail, reliable follow-through — and good judgment about when to bring the partner in.
A collaborative style and professional, responsive communication with clients and colleagues.

Nice to Have

Wage-and-hour class action or PAGA experience — a big plus, and reflected in compensation.
Federal litigation or employment arbitration experience.
First- or second-chair trial experience.

Salary & Benefits

Location: Encino, California — full-time, in-office.
Salary: $150,000 – $190,000 USD per year, depending on experience and demonstrated litigation ability.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus a 401(k) retirement plan.
Professional development support and guidance for attorneys building their own client base.
This is a full-time, long-term position, immediately available.

Ready to apply? We'd love to hear your story. The next step is a short application where you can share more about your background and upload your resume. Take your time — we read every response carefully.