Employment Associate (California)

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together. Summary DLA Piper seeks Employment Associates for its California Offices (San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, or San Diego). Education JD Bar Admission Admitted to practice in California Responsibilities The Associate will be handling litigation management, legal research, legal drafting, and other litigation-related tasks for class action as well as single plaintiff cases, including but not limited to matters involving alleged meal and rest period violations, failure to pay wages and/or bonuses, off-the-clock work, misclassification, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, and wrongful termination. The Associate may also draft and negotiate employment, termination/severance, and related agreements; and advise on reductions in force. Other advice issues include restrictive covenants, employee mobility, compensation practices, commission plans, employee policies/training and leave practices. Experience Minimum 2 years of experience in labor and employment, including litigation, and advice and counsel work. Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws, including wage and hour laws, the California Labor Code, discrimination laws, and practice before state and federal court and agencies. Experience in the defense of class and collective actions, as well as PAGA claims, and provide day to day advice and counsel to our wide range of clients. Trial experience. Desired Skills Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail. Good business and professional judgment. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Conceptual thinking. Persuasive communication. Management skills. Essential Job Expectations While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to: Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties; Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner; Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product; Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required; Foster positive work relationships; Comply with all firm policies and practices; Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as ne