Labor & Employment Associate 3 - 5 Years (Minneapolis)

Labor & Employment Associate 3 - 5 Years (Minneapolis)

Practice Area: Labor & Employment
Level: Mid-Level Associate (Lateral)
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Compensation (Minneapolis): $225,000 - $265,000, based on experience; reduced-hours track available with proportional salary adjustment.

Overview

A national law firm is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate with 3 - 5 years of experience to join its Minneapolis office. The role includes a mix of employment litigation and counseling work, with the opportunity to work closely with partners and take on increasing responsibility. This position is ideal for an associate looking to deepen their litigation skills while maintaining exposure to advisory matters in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Support partners on a range of employment litigation matters, including claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage/hour disputes, and other workplace issues.

• Provide employment counseling on compliance, policy development, disciplinary actions, terminations, and multistate issues.

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery.

• Assist with case strategy, factual investigation, and client communication.

• Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, and mediations as appropriate.

• Manage workflow, deadlines, and matter-specific tasks efficiently.

• Work collaboratively across levels and practice groups.

Candidate Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• 3-5 years of labor & employment litigation experience.

• Minnesota bar admission or ability to obtain MN admission.

• Strong writing, analysis, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact with clients and colleagues across levels.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary (Minneapolis): $225,000-$265,000, based on experience.

• Optional lower billable-hours track with proportional salary adjustment.

• Eligibility for the firms associate bonus program (subject to policy).

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Infertility, gender-affirming, and behavioral health services

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Flexible time off + paid holidays

  • Up to 15 weeks paid parental leave + additional short-term disability for birth parents

  • Healthcare, dependent care, and transportation FSAs

  • Backup child/elder care

  • Adoption assistance

  • Education, tutoring, and wellbeing programs

  • Transit benefits (office-dependent)

  • 24/7 employee assistance program

  • Eligibility in some cases for relocation, clerkship bonus, bar review support