Employment Law Partner School District Defense

Title: Employment Law Partner - School District Defense

Status: Full-Time

Location: Flexible (Any major city in California)

Relocation: Considered for the right candidate

Salary: Salary to be discussed.

Bonus: Quarterly Bonus Opportunities

Visa Support: Not Available

As a leading legal team continues its strategic growth, we are seeking a highly experienced Employment Law Partner to specialize in school district defense litigation. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned legal professional with strong public sector employment law expertise and a successful track record advising educational institutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Litigation & Risk Management:

• Represent school districts in legal matters involving employment disputes (e.g., wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation).
• Lead all stages of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and resolution.
• Handle agency complaints with EEOC, state labor boards, and other relevant entities.

Strategic Legal Counsel:

• Advise school leadership teams, HR departments, and boards on compliance with Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and other relevant laws.
• Provide proactive legal strategies to reduce risk and enhance compliance, particularly with union and collective bargaining matters.

Policy Development & Compliance:

• Draft and review employment policies, contracts, and guidelines to ensure legal alignment.
• Ensure that staff conduct, discipline, and termination procedures comply with state and federal education and employment law.

Training & Education:

• Deliver workshops and training sessions on legal topics, including discrimination prevention, tenure practices, and union negotiations.
• Guide HR teams and administrators on best practices in employee relations and litigation prevention.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of employment law experience, with at least 80% focused on employment litigation in the past 5 years.
• Experience representing school districts or public entities in defense litigation.
• Proven civil trial experience preferred (1st or 2nd chair roles).
• Must have exclusively defense-side litigation experience.
• Active and in good standing with the California State Bar.

Work Location Options:

• El Segundo, CA

• Fresno, CA

• Oakland, CA

• Ontario, CA

• Orange, CA

• Redding, CA

• Sacramento, CA

• San Diego, CA

• San Jose, CA

• Westlake Village, CA

Perks and Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO for attorneys
• Remote flexibility with office access in multiple cities
• Comprehensive health coverage, including dental, vision, and pet insurance
• 11 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer matching after one year
• Vacation credit accrual
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Regular team events and holiday celebrations
• Casual, collaborative work environment