Labor & Employment Associate - Detroit

Elevate your legal career by joining a premier Labor & Employment team in Detroit. We are seeking a high-caliber Labor & Employment Associate (3rd-4th year) to join a nationally recognized practice group renowned for blending sophisticated legal strategy with a collegial, growth-oriented culture. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide high-level counsel and trial-ready advocacy within a firm celebrated for its legal excellence, collaborative environment, and expansive reach.

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About the Role

As a Labor & Employment Associate in our Detroit office, you will serve as a core member of a broad and expanding practice group. You will navigate complex employment compliance matters, manage labor-relations issues, and support litigation strategies for a diverse roster of corporate entities. This role is designed for a dynamic, highly motivated practitioner who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses sharp critical reasoning, and is ready to integrate into a robust practice that values professional development, mentorship, and seamless team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Counseling: Provide sophisticated day-to-day labor and employment counsel to corporate clients, helping them navigate OSHA regulations, complex workplace laws, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Complex Litigation Management: Support and lead employment litigation matters, including wage and hour class actions, EEOC charges, and administrative proceedings, developing sound defense strategies from inception through resolution.
• Case & Document Development: Research and draft high-level pleadings, motions, legal memoranda, and other court filings, with an emphasis on discovery, motion practice, and thorough trial preparation in both state and federal courts.
• Client-Facing Advocacy: Partner closely with corporate leadership and HR executives, clarifying goals and delivering actionable legal solutions for modern workforce challenges through direct representation and participation in settlement conferences or union negotiations.
• Collaborative Execution: Deliver efficient, high-quality legal services as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the highest standards of client service while contributing to business development initiatives.

Requirements

• Experience: 3rd to 4th year associate (Class of 2022-2023) with dedicated labor and employment experience. Experience with wage and hour class actions, union negotiations, and trial preparation is highly preferred.
• Academic Background: JD from an ABA-approved law school with top academic credentials and exceptional analytical skills.
• Bar Admission: Must be an active member in good standing of the Michigan Bar, or eligible for timely admission as a condition of employment.
• Skills: Strong legal writing skills, an exceptional work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to articulate complex legal theories clearly while thriving in a busy, collegial environment.

Why This Opportunity?

• National Prestige: Join a highly respected, premier national firm supported by strong leadership, talented mentors, and a deeply collaborative, team-oriented culture.
• Professional Growth: This position is situated in an environment that actively encourages career advancement, direct client relationship management, and the cultivation of specialized business development expertise.
• Competitive Compensation: Expected annual base salary range of $260,000 – $310,000 (determined based on education, experience, internal pay equity, and other job-related factors permitted by law).
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a robust program which currently includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; 401(k) Retirement; Disability and Life insurance; Adoption Assistance; and Backup Care for Dependents.

Location / Working Model

• Location: Detroit, MI.
• Working Model: Our firm values the synergy of in-person collaboration and mentorship. This role operates within our Detroit office, supported by a modern, flexible professional environment and a team-first philosophy.