Labor & Employment Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join a highly respected national law firm.

Locations: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Madison, Milwaukee, New York, Orlando, San Diego, Tampa

Practice Area: Labor & Employment Litigation & Counseling

Overview:
This is an opportunity for a 3rd–4th year associate to join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice group within a leading Am Law firm. The role offers exposure to a broad range of complex employment litigation, counseling matters, and expedited injunctive proceedings in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Position Overview:
The successful candidate will have hands-on experience across a wide spectrum of labor and employment matters, including injunction and restraining order proceedings, restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, wage and hour class actions, union-related matters, and single-plaintiff employment disputes. The role also includes advisory and counseling work, providing a well-rounded litigation and client-service experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction proceedings
• Litigate trade secret misappropriation and noncompete matters
• Assist with wage and hour class and collective actions
• Support union negotiations, OSHA matters, and employment counseling work
• Manage discovery, motion practice, and drafting of pleadings and court filings
• Participate in trial preparation, hearings, settlement conferences, and negotiations
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients on active matters

Qualifications:

• 3–4 years of labor & employment litigation experience
• Experience with expedited injunctive relief, employment litigation, and discovery/motion practice required
• Strong legal writing and research skills
• Trial preparation and courtroom exposure preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team orientation, and strong work ethic
• Top academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active bar membership in good standing; admission in the relevant jurisdiction required or to be obtained promptly

Compensation:
Expected salary range: $260,000 – $310,000, commensurate with experience

This role offers the opportunity to join a high-performing and collegial Labor & Employment group with significant courtroom exposure and a broad, sophisticated national practice.