Associate | Mid | Employment
Job Title: Associate | Mid-level
Department/Group: L&E
Reports to: Department Head/Equity Partner
FLSA Type: Exempt
Hours: 40 hours plus; 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Office Attendance: Hybrid; mandatory three days in the office per week, including Monday. The schedule and any additional in-office attendance will be determined by the Firm or Department Head or may be required based on client needs.
Years of Experience: 5-7 years
Compensation: $205,000–$230,000, depending on class year and experience, plus a discretionary bonus.
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced mid-level Associate to join our dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employment law counseling and litigation, with experience representing employers in a variety of forums and advising clients on compliance and risk mitigation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Prepare employee handbooks and policies
· Advise clients on a wide range of employment law issues, including:
o Paid sick leave
o Discrimination and retaliation
o Wage and hour compliance
o Emerging issues such as the use of artificial intelligence in employment practices
· Represent employers in federal and state courts, arbitrations, and mediations involving:
o Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims
o Wage and hour violations
o Breach of contract
o Other employment-related disputes
· Draft and argue motions, including dispositive motions, in both federal and state courts
· Prepare and respond to pleadings and discovery requests
· Prepare and conduct depositions
· Prepare position statements and responses to administrative charges before federal and state agencies
· Conduct witness interviews and fact investigations in preparation for litigation and agency responses
· Draft, review, and negotiate employment-related agreements, including:
o Employment contracts
o Non-compete and restrictive covenant agreements
o Severance agreements
· Other ad hoc projects and assignments as needed
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The following qualifications and experience are required to perform this job:
· J.D. from an accredited law school
· Admitted to practice in New York
· 5-7 years of relevant employment law experience
· Strong writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
· Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
· Experience counseling clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
COMPETENCIES
The following competencies describe the skills, knowledge, and behaviors required to perform this job:
· Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
· Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
· Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision making process; Makes timely decisions.
· Project/Assignment Management – Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and within budget; Manages project team activities.
· Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
· Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
· Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
· Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies the appropriate person with an alternate plan.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Continually required to sit.
· Occasionally required to stand.
· Occasionally required to walk.
· Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
· Frequently required to talk and hear.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to the following work environment conditions:
· A fast-paced environment determined by projects to be completed.
· Variances of noise and temperature.
· Possible stress and mental fatigue due to the speed of the office tasks.
· This position is a hybrid position based in our New York office, with three days on-site (currently Monday through Wednesday), and additional in-office or in-person attendance as needed.
SALARY RANGE
$205,000–$230,000, depending on class year and experience, plus a discretionary bonus.