Posted 08/17/2026
Job Number: 17518
Employment Attorney
San Diego, California • Onsite
Industry: Legal Services
Job Category: Legal
Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $150,000 - $225,000 / Annually
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Job Description
Position Title: Employment Attorney
Salary Range: $150,000–$225,000 / Year, DOE + Quarterly & Annual Bonus Opportunities
Join a respected boutique employment defense firm where attorneys are trusted to run their cases, sharpen their litigation skills, and build toward long-term career growth. This Employment Attorney will manage sophisticated defense matters from initial strategy through resolution, including depositions, mediations, motion practice, legal research, trial preparation and direct client interaction. The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient defense litigator with 2–8 years of experience who takes ownership of their work, welcomes constructive feedback and wants more than a place to simply bill hours. This is an opportunity for an attorney who wants meaningful courtroom exposure, autonomy and the potential to develop a book of business and pursue a partnership track.
Responsibilities
- Manage employment defense and other civil litigation matters from inception through resolution with appropriate partner guidance
- Develop case strategy, conduct legal research, and prepare persuasive motions, briefs, and other legal documents
- Take and defend depositions and represent clients throughout mediations and settlement proceedings
- Prepare cases for trial and confidently participate in all phases of the litigation process
- Maintain direct communication with a diverse client base that includes private employers and public entities
- Collaborate closely with partners, associates, and support staff to efficiently move cases forward
- Consistently meet a target of approximately 160 billable hours per month while maintaining exceptional work quality
Requirements
- 2–8 years of litigation experience with a strong defense-side background
- Active membership in good standing with the California Bar
- Employment defense or public entity defense experience strongly preferred
- Experience in employment litigation, insurance defense or personal injury defense considered
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage files and cases without extensive oversight
- Comfortable with depositions, mediations, trial preparation and courtroom proceedings
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and receptive to constructive feedback with a genuine interest in continued professional growth
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees
- 401(k) with employer match
- 2 weeks of vacation, 5 paid sick days and approximately 7-8 paid holidays
- Quarterly bonus opportunities tied to billable performance plus a discretionary annual bonus
- Hybrid flexibility after the initial onboarding period with earlier eligibility possible for experienced attorneys who can independently manage files
If you are a defense attorney who wants real ownership of your cases, meaningful litigation experience, and a clear opportunity to grow toward business development and partnership, apply today and take the next step in your career.
#LI-LO1 #LI-SB1
Job ID: a0CUm00004tBDyAMAW
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