Of Counsel - Traditional Labor Attorney
About The Position
This Of Counsel role is ideal for an attorney with a strong background in traditional labor law — including collective bargaining, labor negotiations, unfair practice litigation, and labor arbitrations — and a passion for advising and representing public-sector employers. Candidates must bring at least seven (7) years of legal practice and/or substantial experience pre- or post-law school in traditional labor work, including direct involvement in negotiations, administrative proceedings, or arbitration. Experience representing clients before PERB, NLRB, or a similar agency is preferred; experience working for a labor board (PERB, NLRB) will also be considered qualifying experience. This position offers immediate opportunities for client-facing work, strategic leadership, and independent matter management, with the support of an experienced team of public law practitioners.
Requirements
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership in good standing.
- Minimum seven (7) years of legal practice and/or substantial experience pre- or post-law school in traditional labor work.
- Strong understanding of federal or California bargaining laws and related regulations, with experience interpreting local employer-employee relations resolutions and MOUs.
- Proven experience in collective bargaining, contract negotiations, labor arbitrations, and PERB/NLRB administrative proceedings.
- Experience representing or working for public agencies preferred; private-sector labor experience considered if transferable.
- Experience working for a labor board (PERB or NLRB) qualifies as relevant experience.
- Excellent legal writing, research, and advocacy skills, with the ability to manage complex matters independently.
- Highly professional, responsive, and collaborative, with strong client-relations and communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Not required, but a plus if you have experience in public safety negotiations and/or specific experience with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Responsibilities
- Serve as chief negotiator or provide labor and employment support to firm clients to supplement independent negotiators during collective bargaining and meet-and-confer processes.
- Represent public employers in unfair labor practice proceedings before PERB, NLRB, or equivalent state agencies.
- Handle labor arbitrations, grievances, and disciplinary appeal hearings (including Skelly and post-disciplinary proceedings).
- Provide day-to-day labor and employment advice on employee relations, discipline, leaves, disability accommodation, and policy drafting.
- Draft, interpret, and negotiate MOUs, side letters, and labor-related policies, ensuring alignment with client goals and governing law.
- Be conversant with salary surveys, budget analysis, costings, payroll processes, and public-sector wage and hour issues, and work collaboratively with internal and external finance professionals to develop data-driven negotiation strategies.
- Partner with colleagues on litigation, writs of mandate, and complex advisory matters.
- Deliver board, executive, and management training on labor relations and employment law.
- Contribute to thought leadership, mentorship, and client development within the practice.
Benefits
- Join a collaborative, high-performing team that values mentorship, excellence, and work-life balance.
- Enjoy direct client exposure and the ability to lead negotiations and complex matters early.
- Access robust professional development, firmwide trainings, and leadership opportunities.
- Receive competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid work flexibility in Sausalito (Marin County) or Sacramento, serving clients across Northern California.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
