Davis Wright Tremaine LLP seeks a midlevel associate to join its robust Employment practice in Los Angeles or San Francisco. The associate will work on a broad range of complex employment litigation matters for employers across multiple industries, including single-plaintiff claims, wage and hour class actions, PAGA matters, discrimination and harassment claims, trade secret disputes, and workplace investigations. This role offers substantial client contact, hands-on litigation experience, and opportunities to collaborate closely with partners and clients on sophisticated and strategic matters.
Responsibilities
- Manage and support all phases of employment litigation in state and federal courts.
- Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation-related documents.
- Conduct legal research and develop case strategy.
- Take and defend depositions, including party and witness depositions.
- Participate in mediations, arbitrations, and court appearances.
- Collaborate with clients on employment counseling and risk management issues.
- Work closely with partners and litigation teams on high-profile and complex matters.
- Contribute to business development and client relationship initiatives.
Qualifications
- JD from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice California.
- 3–5 years of relevant employment litigation experience.
- Experience handling California employment law matters.
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Excellent oral advocacy and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Prior experience at a law firm or sophisticated in-house legal department preferred.
- Commitment to delivering exceptional client service and working collaboratively with colleagues.
Why DWT
- Direct client exposure and meaningful responsibility
- Collegial, team-oriented environment with strong mentorship
- Opportunity to work on sophisticated employment litigation matters for leading employers
- Inclusive and collaborative culture that supports professional growth and development
- Platform for long-term career advancement and business development
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
Join Us!
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and be part of a firm where your contributions are recognized and valued, 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 seeks to hire, develop and grow lawyers and business professionals who combine deep legal expertise, technological fluency, business acumen, and emotional intelligence—creating an excellent, inclusive, adaptive workforce that fuels exceptional client outcomes.
At Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, every employee has the right to work in an environment 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, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religious creed, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military condition, 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 HRLeavesandAccommodations@dwt.com.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The annualized salary range for this position is $225,000 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 appropriate 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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