Labor & Employment Associate

Labor & Employment Associate Location:

Tampa, FL Work Model:

Full-time, On-site (5 days/week)

Practice:

National Labor & Employment Practice Office Size:

~28 Attorneys Reason for

Hire:

Growth About the Role We are seeking a Labor & Employment Associate to join a growing Tampa office within a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice . This role is ideal for a litigation-focused associate who is eager to take on substantive responsibility and work closely with experienced partners in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Handle primarily litigation matters within the Labor & Employment practice Draft pleadings, motions, and legal memoranda Manage discovery and support case strategy Take ownership of substantive legal work and drive outcomes for a diverse client base Nationally Recognized Firm This is a nationally recognized firm with a top-tier Labor & Employment practice that is highly ranked by leading legal directories. The firm is financially strong, operates conservatively, and has demonstrated sustained, long-term growth. Merit-Based Compensation Compensation is performance-driven rather than strictly lockstep after the early associate years. Associates are eligible for meaningful discretionary bonuses based on impact, quality of work, and contributions beyond billable hours. Business development efforts are recognized early, with origination credit available to associates. Clear Path to Partnership The firm offers a transparent and direct path to shareholder status without prolonged senior-associate holding patterns. Shareholders typically maintain their own books of business, and the firm supports entrepreneurial lawyers who want to build lasting client relationships. Strong Tampa Office The Tampa office is a high-performing, growth-oriented location within the firm, combining a collaborative culture with meaningful responsibility despite its relatively lean size. Substantive Work & Client Exposure Associates take on real responsibility early, working directly with clients on a wide range of matters. The practice is litigation-forward, goes to trial, and represents both emerging and established clients across multiple industries. Investment in Success There are no rigid caps on marketing or professional expenses. The firm actively invests in attorneys who are producing results and building the practice.

Note:

Hiring due to growth Compensation is merit-based and highly competitive within the Tampa legal market. Base salary is not strictly lockstep, allowing strong performers to advance more quickly. Associates in this office are consistently among the top earners locally, reflecting the firm's emphasis on performance and impact. Discretionary bonuses can be significant, rewarding quality of work, client service, and overall contribution—not just billable hours. Specific compensation details are shared during the offer stage. The firm also maintains an exceptionally high offer acceptance rate, reflecting strong candidate satisfaction.

Must have:

Experience as federal judicial clerkship Associate experience Excellent academic credentials (high GPA/top 30 law school) required. GPA needs to be on the resume Strong legal writing skills.

Prefer:

3 - 6 years of experience as federal judicial clerk and associate L&E associate experience (must at least have strong interest in L&E) Located or willing to relocate to Tampa for 5 days/week in-office. Barred in Florida or willing to sit for the Florida Bar Exam. Ties to/interest in Tampa, Florida Traits to avoid: Pattern of job hopping (too many jobs over 4 years) GPA is not listed on the resume Required Qualifications 3-6 years of experience as a federal judicial clerk and law firm associate Federal judicial clerkship experience (required) Associate experience at a law firm Excellent academic credentials High GPA Top 30 law school GPA must be listed on resume Strong legal writing skills Willing to work on-site 5 days/week Located in Tampa or willing to relocate Florida Bar admission or willingness to sit for the Florida Bar Exam