Davis Wright Tremaine LLP seeks a senior-level associate to join its nationally recognized Employment practice in Los Angeles or San Francisco. This associate will focus primarily on complex wage and hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters, representing employers across a broad range of industries. The role also includes handling high-stakes employment litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, trade secret, and other workplace-related claims. The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing sophisticated California employment litigation matters, particularly class action and representative litigation, and will play a key role in developing case strategy, managing client relationships, and driving matters through all stages of litigation. This position offers substantial responsibility, direct client interaction, and meaningful opportunities for leadership and professional growth within a collaborative and entrepreneurial practice.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support all phases of complex employment litigation in state and federal courts, with a strong emphasis on wage and hour class actions and PAGA representative actions
• Develop litigation strategy, evaluate risk exposure, and advise clients on litigation and settlement strategy
• Draft and argue substantive motions, including motions to compel arbitration, class certification motions, dispositive motions, and appellate briefing
• Take and defend depositions, including named plaintiffs, percipient witnesses, corporate representatives, and experts
• Oversee written discovery, document review, and case management in complex litigation matters
• Participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, arbitrations, and court appearances
• Collaborate with clients on employment counseling, compliance, and risk mitigation issues related to California employment law
• Work closely with partners and litigation teams on sophisticated and high-profile matters
• Mentor junior associates and contribute to team development
• Support business development and client relationship initiatives

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice in California
• 5+ years of employment litigation experience, including significant experience handling wage and hour class actions and PAGA matters
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and class action procedure
• Experience managing complex litigation matters and interacting directly with clients
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Strong organizational and case management abilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Experience taking and defending depositions and handling court appearances independently
• Prior law firm experience preferred
• Commitment to exceptional client service, collaboration, and professional excellence

Why DWT

• Direct client exposure and meaningful responsibility on sophisticated litigation matters
• Opportunity to work on high-profile wage and hour class actions and PAGA matters for leading employers
• Collegial, team-oriented environment with strong mentorship and collaboration
• Inclusive culture that supports professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career advancement
• Platform for business development and practice growth
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

Join Us!

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a dynamic and collaborative employment litigation team, please submit your cover letter addressed to Valerie Hawley, Lawyer Talent Acquisition Specialist; resume; copy of law school transcript; and a writing sample.

We are accepting third party submissions.

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. It brings out the best of what each individual has to offer and inspires us to build strong and lasting connections with each other, our clients, and our communities. We are committed to creating and cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all employment-related decisions without regard to an employee’s sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), race, color, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal laws.

Davis Wright Tremaine provides reasonable accommodations for those who need them to complete the application or recruiting process and for employees who need reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their positions due to a disability or for religious reasons. If you need to request accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please email humanresources@dwt.com.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The annualized salary range for this position is $310,000 to $330,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on the candidate’s education, training, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Core Benefits: Full-time employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance (with an optional Health Savings Account), dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, and disability.

Paid Time Off (PTO): Full-time employees receive sick leave benefits in accordance with the applicable state Sick & Safe Leave Policy. Attorneys generally take approximately three weeks of vacation annually, though the exact amount may vary depending on client and firm needs. The firm also provides 11 paid holidays each year.

Additional Programs: Employees may participate in 401(k) retirement planning, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Available voluntary benefits include accident, life, disability, long-term care, and pet insurance. Commuter and transit programs are also available. Full-time employees may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

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