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Employment Associate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employment Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$260K - $390K/yr

Employment Associate Attorney -- San Diego, CA or Boston, MA Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Associate Attorney to join a well-established Am Law 100 firm in its San Diego office. This role ...

What You'll Do as the Associate Employment Attorney: * Counsel clients on day to day employment issues including FMLA administration, ADA accommodations, background check compliance, employee ...

What You'll Do as the Associate Employment Attorney: * Counsel clients on day to day employment issues including FMLA administration, ADA accommodations, background check compliance, employee ...

What You'll Do as the Associate Employment Attorney: * Counsel clients on day to day employment issues including FMLA administration, ADA accommodations, background check compliance, employee ...

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Employment Associate Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do employment associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for employment associate attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Employment Associate Attorney, and why are they important?

To excel as an Employment Associate Attorney, you generally need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a solid grounding in employment law, litigation, and legal research. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as experience drafting legal documents and managing case management systems, is important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and negotiation skills set candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure accurate legal counsel, successful case outcomes, and effective client advocacy in a complex and dynamic legal environment.

What are some common challenges Employment Associate Attorneys face when managing multiple client matters simultaneously?

Employment Associate Attorneys often juggle a variety of cases, such as workplace discrimination claims, wage and hour disputes, and compliance counseling. Balancing these matters requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize urgent deadlines, especially when responding to court filings or client emergencies. Effective communication and teamwork with partners, paralegals, and clients are essential for keeping cases on track and ensuring that all parties are informed about case developments. Time management and adaptability are key to handling the fluctuating demands of this role.

What are Employment Associate Attorneys?

Employment Associate Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in employment and labor law. They typically work under the supervision of more senior attorneys to advise clients—such as companies or individual employees—on issues like workplace discrimination, wage and hour laws, employment contracts, and workplace policies. Their duties often include legal research, drafting documents, assisting with litigation, and staying up to date on changes in employment law. Employment Associate Attorneys often work at law firms or in-house legal departments, helping to ensure compliance with employment regulations and representing clients in disputes.

What is the difference between Employment Associate Attorney vs Litigation Associate?

AspectEmployment Associate AttorneyLitigation Associate
Required CredentialsJD, Bar Admission, often employment law certificationsJD, Bar Admission, often litigation or trial certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, focusing on employment issuesCourts, law firms, focusing on courtroom litigation
Employer & Industry UsageLegal firms, corporations, government agencies handling employment mattersLaw firms, government agencies, corporations involved in disputes
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and career paths in employment lawComparing litigation work, skills, and career options

The Employment Associate Attorney primarily focuses on employment law issues, advising clients on workplace policies, compliance, and employment disputes. In contrast, a Litigation Associate handles courtroom cases, representing clients in legal disputes. While both roles require a JD and bar admission, their work environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly, catering to distinct legal practice areas.

More about Employment Associate Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Employment Associate Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Employment Associate Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Employment Associate Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Employment Associate Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Employment Associate Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Employment Associate Attorney jobs are:

Employment Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Boston, MA • Hybrid

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Employment Associate Attorney — San Diego, CA or Boston, MA

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Associate Attorney to join a well-established Am Law 100 firm in its San Diego office.

This role is ideal for an attorney with at least 3 years of employment law experience, including litigation and counseling. The position offers a balanced mix of litigation, advisory work, policy drafting, investigations, and training, with the opportunity to work closely alongside seasoned practitioners in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Handle all aspects of employment litigation, including matters involving discrimination, wage and hour claims, leave issues, non-compete disputes, and breach of contract cases

  • Provide day-to-day counseling to employers on HR and compliance matters

  • Draft and revise employment policies, handbooks, employment agreements, and separation agreements

  • Conduct internal investigations and deliver employment-related trainings

  • Collaborate with team members in accordance with a 60% in-office hybrid schedule

Qualifications
  • J.D. or LL.M. from an accredited law school

  • Licensed or eligible for admission in California

  • 3+ years of employment law experience, including:

    • Litigation before state/federal courts or administrative agencies

    • Advising employers on compliance and best practices

    • Drafting employment-related documents and policies

    • Experience with investigations or trainings preferred

  • Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills

Compensation & Structure
  • Salary range: $260,000 – $390,000, plus bonus eligibility

  • Comprehensive benefits package

  • Hybrid schedule with approximately 60% in-office presence


If you’re an employment litigator and advisor seeking both courtroom and counseling exposure within a nationally recognized platform, we’d love to connect.