Litigation Associate — Labor & Employment (Management-Side)Downtown Los Angeles | Full-time | HybridAbout Our ClientOur client is a long-standing, single-office Los Angeles law firm based in downtown LA, comprised of roughly 40 attorneys and a comparable support staff. The firm has built its reputation serving middle-market businesses and multigenerational family-owned companies, with many client relationships extending back decades. It is debt‑free, has historically low turnover, and operates on a foundation of loyalty, stability, and deep institutional knowledge.About the RoleWe are recruiting a California‑licensed litigation associate with 1–5 years of experience to join the firm's management‑side Labor & Employment practice in downtown LA. The right candidate brings sharp legal writing and research abilities, a thoughtful and disciplined approach to work product, and an interest in building a long‑term career at a collegial, mid‑sized firm. Prior exposure to PAGA, wage and hour, discrimination, or harassment defense work is welcomed — though a strong civil litigator who is motivated to develop into an L&E specialist will also be considered.ResponsibilitiesRepresent employer‑side clients in litigation across state and federal courts, as well as in arbitrations, mediations, and administrative matters before agencies including the EEOC, DLSE, and CRD (formerly DFEH)Conduct in‑depth legal research through Lexis and Westlaw to support active matters spanning the L&E practicePrepare briefs, motions, and legal arguments on live matters in close collaboration with senior partners through drafting, review, and filingHandle discrimination, harassment, and retaliation matters alongside wage and hour defense work (both single‑plaintiff and class/PAGA)Draft and review workplace policies, employee handbooks, severance agreements, and employment contractsAttend depositions early on, progressing toward taking them independently as experience developsProvide ongoing employer counseling on terminations, employee classification, leaves, and wage/hour questionsLead employee trainings and support workplace health‑and‑safety and OSHA compliance mattersPartner directly with senior attorneys on live client mattersWhy This Role Stands OutThe compensation structure here is genuinely distinctive. Associates begin with a guaranteed base salary and become eligible, after a qualifying period, for a formula‑based monthly profit‑share tied to collections. Once an associate demonstrates profitability (billing and collecting beyond their cost), the partnership may vote them into this structure — which then pays a monthly percentage of collections on top of base. Some associates qualify within roughly six months; others take closer to a year. This arrangement is embedded in the partnership agreement and is separate from equity ownership, meaning productive attorneys realize meaningful financial upside throughout the year rather than waiting for a year‑end bonus cycle. Partners at the firm have built very comfortable retirements under this model.QualificationsActive California bar license1–5 years of litigation experienceExcellent legal research and writing capabilitiesSerious, detail‑oriented approach to work productGenuine interest in committing to a long‑term practice at a stable, collegial environmentPreferred SkillsDirect experience in management‑side L&E defense (wage and hour, PAGA, harassment, or discrimination)Background in traditional labor law (NLRB matters, union‑related counseling and proceedings) is a meaningful plusFamiliarity with employer counseling on leaves, classification, and terminationsCompensation & BenefitsBase salary: $180,000–$350,000, depending on experienceMonthly profit‑share on collections following the qualifying period (described above)Generous 401(k) matchMedical (HMO and PPO with HSA buy‑up option), dental, and vision coverageDaily in‑office breakfastModern offices in a premier downtown LA building, with recent IT investmentsWork ArrangementThis role begins fully on‑site at the firm's downtown LA office, with flexibility for remote work available once the associate is established. Candidates should be willing and able to commute to downtown LA on a daily basis at the outset.Empower JobID 2752#J-18808-Ljbffr