Labor & Employment Mid-Level to Senior Associate

McGuireWoods•Pittsburgh, PA

10d

About The Position

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a mid-level to senior associate with 4+ years of experience to join its Labor & Employment practice in the firm’s Pittsburgh office. This is a strategic employment law role advising companies, private equity sponsors, and senior executives on high-stakes employment disputes and sensitive workforce matters. The work includes executive mobility disputes, restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, and complex employment matters involving senior-level talent and confidential business information. Litigation is the core of the role, with additional collaboration on employment matters in private equity and M&A transactions, including diligence, risk assessment, and post-closing workforce integration. The associate will work directly with a partner on sensitive, mission-critical matters and receive meaningful responsibility, direct client exposure, and hands-on experience from the outset. The practice is fast-paced and connects legal strategy with business objectives, leadership considerations, enterprise value, and critical business operations. Associates use innovative technology platforms, including Harvey AI, to accelerate research, streamline drafting, and support analytical work. McGuireWoods has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients since 1834. The firm offers excellent benefits, competitive salary, hours and merit bonus opportunities, and billable hours credit for pro bono work. The firm also describes ongoing initiatives to support lawyers’ careers.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in labor and employment litigation or commercial litigation involving employment-related issues.
Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar or eligibility to obtain admission promptly following hire.
Excellent legal research, analytical, and persuasive writing skills, including experience drafting substantive briefs, motions, and other litigation documents.
Excellent academic credentials.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work product under tight deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with corporate clients, private equity sponsors, and senior business leaders.
Demonstrated ownership mindset, intellectual curiosity, strong problem-solving instincts, and ability to independently analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and deliver high-quality work product under demanding deadlines.
Willingness and desire to work with innovative technology platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience with restrictive covenant disputes, trade secrets, or unfair competition matters.
Experience supporting injunction proceedings or other expedited litigation.

Responsibilities

Litigate restrictive covenant and trade secret disputes, including matters involving injunctive relief.
Manage substantive aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings and motions, conducting legal research, developing case strategy, managing discovery, and preparing for hearings and depositions.
Advise on executive mobility issues, including onboarding, departures, and incentive arrangements.
Counsel clients on employment compliance, risk management, and sensitive personnel issues.
Support employment-related due diligence and risk assessment in private equity and M&A transactions, including identifying material employment risks, evaluating restrictive covenants, and assisting with post-closing integration and portfolio company counseling.
Assist with internal investigations involving whistleblower or reputational concerns.