Employment Law Senior Attorney

Client Partnership

Ready to make an impact in California education law?

We’re seeking a Senior Employment Law Attorney to join one of California’s most respected education and employment defense firms. This pivotal role is ideal for a seasoned litigator with a strong background in defending public entities—particularly school districts—in complex employment disputes.

As a Senior Attorney, you will be responsible for managing and defending employment-related lawsuits, including claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and other personnel matters involving educators, classified staff, and administrators. You will take the lead on all stages of litigation—from case assessment and strategy development to hearings, depositions, and settlement negotiations—while ensuring alignment with your clients’ legal and institutional priorities.

You’ll also provide counsel on employment law compliance, personnel practices, and internal investigations, helping school districts navigate California’s complex education and labor law landscape with confidence.

This is a high-responsibility role for an attorney who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is passionate about supporting public education through thoughtful legal advocacy and risk management.

With a remote-first approach with a conservative on-site presence, this position offers the flexibility modern attorneys value while keeping you connected to top-tier colleagues and clients across the state. With multiple offices in Southern and Northern California (including Orange County, Los Angeles, and Sacramento), you’ll have the support of a respected infrastructure while practicing with autonomy and purpose.

Employment Law Senior Attorney

Orange County, Los Angeles County, or Sacramento, CA

• Handle disputes arising from complaints filed with agencies like the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
• Oversee the discovery process, motion practice, and settlement negotiations, with a focus on public sector employment regulations and education law.
• Advise school boards, superintendents, and HR departments on navigating complex employment laws such as Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and state-specific education regulations.
• Develop proactive legal strategies to mitigate risk in labor disputes, employee discipline, hiring practices, and contract negotiations.
• Provide counsel on addressing union relations, teacher tenure, and collective bargaining agreements to prevent litigation and ensure compliance.
• Review and draft school district employment policies on areas like employee conduct, tenure, discipline, and termination, ensuring they align with both employment and education laws.
• Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts, ensuring compliance with public education laws, union agreements, and collective bargaining terms.
• Ensure the district’s practices comply with federal and state regulations affecting public school employment, including Title IX, ADA, and other education-specific statutes.
• Provide tailored training to school district leadership, HR personnel, and administrators on legal compliance, best practices in handling employee relations, and mitigating risks of litigation in the educational context.
• Conduct workshops on issues such as anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and navigating teacher tenure and union rules, ensuring the district adheres to legal and ethical standards.

• Must have a well-established and exclusive employment litigation, defense background.
• Trial experience is preferred, but not required
• School district defense experience required
• Experience with public entity defense is preferred
• Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees
• Member of the State Bar of California & within good standing
• Superior research, analytical, and negotiating ability
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Commitment to proactive case management

The projected annual salary is estimated at $230,000 - $300,000 per year, representing the low and high ends of the range. The actual starting rate of pay may vary based on factors that include, but are not limited to, the position…