Associate Attorney - Trial & Arbitration
About The Position
This role focuses on discovery and law-and-motion practice in employment arbitration matters, primarily involving individual wage-and-hour and related claims. The position supports cases that arise from representative actions, including those following developments in Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Moriana, but does not involve litigating class or representative PAGA claims directly. The Associate Attorney will work closely with senior arbitration counsel and the litigation teams to manage a portfolio of arbitration matters, contributing to case strategy, discovery planning, and motion practice. Responsibilities include drafting and responding to written discovery, preparing discovery-related motions (including motions to compel), assisting with arbitration briefs and hearing preparation, conducting legal research, engaging in meet-and-confer efforts with opposing counsel, and collaborating with support staff to ensure efficient case progression. This role emphasizes practical, efficient advocacy tailored to the arbitration forum, including streamlined discovery, focused motion practice, and preparation for evidentiary hearings. This role is ideal for an attorney ready to move beyond task-based work into developing litigation and arbitration judgment, with direct mentorship from senior arbitration counsel.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in the California State Bar.
- 2 - 4 years of relevant experience in a law firm.
- Strong drafting, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, think critically, and work both independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, PDF software, and legal research platforms.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in employment law, particularly wage and hour and related individual claims
- Familiarity with case management systems (e.g., FileVine), and document management tools
- Experience with or interest in employment arbitration, including AAA and JAMS forums
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and adapt to evolving case needs
- Familiarity with any combination of FileVine, Clio, MS Teams, RingCentral, Dropbox, Google, Lexis or Westlaw, Adobe or Foxit PDF software a plus.
Responsibilities
- Support all phases of employment arbitration (AAA, JAMS), including preliminary hearings, discovery management, and evidentiary hearing preparation
- Prepare hearing materials, including exhibit lists, witness outlines, and arbitration briefs
- Assist in developing efficient, strategy-driven approaches to arbitration, including limited discovery and streamlined motion practice
- Participate in arbitration proceedings and contribute to real-time case analysis and issue spotting
- Draft and respond to written discovery, with an emphasis on relevance, proportionality, and efficiency in the arbitration context
- Prepare and oppose discovery-related motions, including motions to compel, and assist with targeted motion practice as appropriate in arbitration
- Conduct legal research and draft arbitration-focused briefs and related materials, including pre-hearing submissions and supporting papers
- Assist with deposition preparation, including drafting outlines, analyzing documents, and preparing witnesses, and, with training and guidance, take and defend depositions
- Utilize legal research tools to analyze case law, statutes, and pleadings, and support effective written advocacy
- Appear in depositions, mediations and arbitration hearings
- Develop case strategy and maintain regular client communication
- Be able to work towards and handle a case load of 40+ cases under the guidance of a managing attorney
- Draft substantive legal documents, including arbitration briefs, pre-hearing submissions, discovery-related filings, stipulations, and supporting declarations
- Prepare clear, concise written advocacy tailored to the arbitration forum, emphasizing efficiency and practical outcomes
- Review, edit, and finalize correspondence and filings to ensure accuracy, consistency, and strategic alignment
- Coordinate with paralegals, legal assistants, and support staff to ensure accurate file management and deadline compliance
- Collaborate with junior team members and support staff, including providing feedback on drafting and assisting in developing practical litigation and arbitration skills
- Participate in firm‐wide initiatives, committee work, and other special projects as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
