Labor & Employment Associate (3-5 yrs)

Hanson Bridgett's Labor & Employment group is seeking a mid-level associate to join a practice focused on advising public agencies and special districts on the full range of employment, governance, and litigation matters. This is a substantive, client-facing role from day one that combines active litigation with advisory and investigative work. The associate will represent public agency clients in employment litigation, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings, including handling employee discipline appeals, drafting arbitration briefs, conducting witness preparation, and managing cases through hearing. Alongside this litigation work, the associate will advise clients on employment policies, employee discipline, leaves of absence, wage and hour compliance, and disability accommodation, and will conduct and support workplace investigations involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The role also involves labor negotiations and advising on matters affecting both represented and unrepresented workforces, including public safety personnel. The associate will further counsel public agency clients on government law issues — including the California Public Records Act, the Brown Act, and ethics compliance — and will draft training materials and present to client boards, HR teams, and executive leadership.

We are looking for someone with 3–5 years of labor and employment experience, ideally with public agency or public entity clients, who is comfortable both in the courtroom or hearing room and in an advisory capacity. Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills are essential. Exposure to government law, FEHA, FLSA/FMLA, POBR/FBOR, or public records matters is a plus. You'll work alongside experienced partners on high-stakes matters that involve not just legal complexity, but real political and organizational nuance — serving clients who rely on their outside counsel as genuine strategic partners.

This is a hybrid position based out of San Francisco or San Rafael. The annual base compensation range for this California position is between $205,000 and $245,000. Placement within the salary range depends upon a number of factors including but not limited to years of experience and professional skills required for this role.

Ideal candidates will have a distinguished academic background and impeccable references. CA Bar required. Strong research, writing and communication skills, high level of analytical skills as well as excellent and highly adaptable communication skills are required. We seek intelligent, entrepreneurial, team players who are practical, problem solvers, ambitious, organized, and detail oriented and are looking towards a partnership with Hanson Bridgett.

We are an EEO employer and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

To be considered for a position, please submit:

• Cover letter (optional)

• Resume

• Law school transcript

• Writing sample