Labor & Employment Counsel

Description Litigation Attorney - Employment (4-9 Years) ? South Orange County, CA (Hybrid/Remote - 1 Day Onsite per Week) Position Overview Our client, a well-established and growing litigation firm in South Orange County, is seeking a mid-level Employment Litigation Attorney (4-9 years of experience) to join its dynamic team. This role will focus on defending employers in complex employment matters, including high-exposure litigation and class/PAGA actions. This is a primarily remote position, with the opportunity (and expectation) to come onsite approximately one day per week for collaboration, strategy meetings, and key case work. Key Responsibilities Litigation & Case Management Independently manage a caseload of employment litigation matters from inception through resolution

Handle:

Wage & hour claims (including PAGA and class actions) Wrongful termination Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims Draft, review, and argue: Motions (demurrers, motions to strike, MSJs) Discovery motions Pretrial motions and briefs Discovery & Depositions Oversee all phases of discovery, including: Drafting and responding to written discovery (interrogatories, RFAs, RFPs) Taking and defending party, witness, and expert depositions Develop discovery strategy aligned with case objectives and risk mitigation Court Appearances & Trial Prep Appear for hearings (remote and occasional in-person in OC/LA courts) Prepare cases for trial, including: Trial strategy development Exhibit/witness preparation Pretrial filings and motions in limine First- or second-chair trial experience is highly valued Client Interaction & Counseling Serve as a point of contact for clients, including: Providing case assessments and risk analysis Advising on employment best practices and compliance issues Partner with employers (HR and in-house counsel) on litigation strategy and early resolution options Collaboration & Internal Work Collaborate with partners and litigation teams on complex matters Mentor entry level associates and/or paralegals as needed Participate in weekly in-office collaboration sessions (1 day onsite) Requirements Required Qualifications Experience 4-9 years of civil litigation experience, with a strong focus on employment law Demonstrated experience handling: Single-plaintiff employment claims Exposure to class actions and/or PAGA matters strongly preferred Experience in California state courts required (federal experience is a plus) Substantive Skills Advanced motion practice experience: Proven ability to draft and argue dispositive motions (MSJs highly preferred) Strong deposition experience: Ability to take and defend key depositions with minimal supervision Familiarity with: California Labor Code FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act) Wage & hour laws and compliance frameworks Licensure Active, in good standing with the California State Bar (required) Technical & Practice Skills Proficient in e-filing in California state and federal courts Experience using litigation management and document review platforms Ability to manage billable requirements (typically ~1800-1950 hours annually) Soft Skills & Competencies Strong legal writing and analytical skills Ability to work independently in a remote-first environment High attention to detail with strong organizational skills Client-facing communication and professionalism Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .