Labor & Employment Litigation Associate

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Litigation Associate with 5–7 years of experience to join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice in Columbus. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced employment litigator looking to handle sophisticated workplace disputes while working alongside industry-leading attorneys in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

The ideal candidate will have substantial employment litigation experience and the ability to independently manage matters through all stages of litigation.

Responsibilities

• Manage employment litigation matters from intake through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive litigation filings
• Handle written discovery, depositions, and discovery disputes
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategy
• Assist with trial preparation and trial support
• Advise clients on employment-related risks and disputes
• Collaborate with partners and clients on complex employment matters
• Support workplace investigations, litigation avoidance strategies, and related counseling matters

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of employment litigation experience
• Ability to independently manage cases through discovery and motion practice
• Experience with:
  • Legal research and analysis
  • Depositions
  • Written discovery
  • Discovery disputes
  • Motion drafting and briefing
  • Trial preparation
• Experience with non-compete and restrictive covenant litigation is a plus
• Experience reviewing, drafting, or negotiating employment-related agreements is a plus
• Experience conducting employment-related due diligence is a plus
• Superior attention to detail
• Exceptional research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Strong academic credentials from an accredited law school
• Active Ohio Bar admission required

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and market factors
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunity to work on sophisticated employment litigation matters
• Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility
• Mentorship from nationally recognized Labor & Employment attorneys
• Professional development and business development opportunities

Why This Opportunity

• Join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice ranked by leading legal publications
• Work on sophisticated and high-profile employment disputes
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
• Strong mentorship and professional development support
• Clear opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.