Mid-Level Labor and Employment Associate

Job overview

The Mid-Level Labor and Employment Associate role is hybrid in San Francisco, CA, with an expectation of approximately three days per week in the office. The annual salary range is $230,000–$250,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Direct Counsel represents a leading national law firm seeking an associate for its San Francisco practice. The associate defends employers in workplace litigation and provides employment counseling, managing matters from case strategy and discovery through motions, mediation, and trial preparation. The role contributes through independent case ownership, direct client work, and collaboration with partners and associates.

What you'll do

• Defend employers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage-and-hour, and reasonable-accommodation matters
• manage PAGA, class action, and representative action matters
• handle litigation phases including discovery, motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation
• draft pleadings and discovery
• draft and argue dispositive and discovery motions
• conduct and defend fact and corporate witness depositions
• provide counseling on federal and California employment laws
• work with clients and legal teams on case strategy and manage case deadlines.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

mid-level labor and employment associate

san francisco ca

direct counsel

hybrid

employment litigation

labor and employment

paga

class actions

wage and hour

california bar

j.d. required

client counseling

4–6 years experience

$230k–$250k/year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Hybrid work environment
• professional growth opportunities
• significant client interaction and case ownership.

Why this role

Requires 4–6 years of labor and employment experience, PAGA matter experience, a J.D., and active California Bar admission; hybrid schedule with approximately three office days weekly.

About the employer

Direct Counsel is hiring for this role. Industry: Legal Counsel and Prosecution. Sector: 92.