Labor and Employment Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney - Labor & Employment (Cleveland, Ohio)

Are you a driven legal professional with a passion for labor and employment law? Are you seeking an opportunity to advance your career with a top-ranked law firm that values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth? If so, we invite you to consider joining our team as an Associate Attorney in our Labor & Employment Practice Group, based in Cleveland, Ohio.

About the Firm

Our firm is a nationally recognized Am Law 200 law firm, dedicated to exceeding client expectations and delivering superior, customized legal solutions. With a strong presence in the Midwest and major business centers, our attorneys advise regional, national, and global businesses on a wide range of sophisticated legal matters across more than 25 specialized practice and industry groups. We are proud to be recognized for our best-in-class client service and litigation excellence, earning accolades from Benchmark Litigation, Chambers and Partners, and other respected industry organizations.

We believe that our success is built on the talent, dedication, and diversity of our people. Our firm fosters an inclusive environment where attorneys and staff from all backgrounds can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to creative solutions for our clients. We are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our team members, offering mentorship, training, and opportunities for advancement.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Attorney with at least three years of experience in labor and employment law to join our Cleveland office. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employment-related litigation, as well as experience advising employers on compliance, drafting legal documents, and representing clients before government agencies and courts. An active Ohio law license is required for this position.

As an Associate Attorney in our Labor & Employment Practice Group, you will play a key role in managing cases, supporting clients, and contributing to the overall success of the team. You will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of matters, from day-to-day case management to complex litigation and trial preparation. You will collaborate with experienced attorneys, participate in strategic decision-making, and gain valuable hands-on experience in all aspects of labor and employment law.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day and strategic aspects of case management for labor and employment matters, ensuring that all deadlines are met and that clients receive timely, effective representation.
• Support cases from inception through discovery and trial preparation, including conducting legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, and preparing discovery responses.
• Attend and participate in depositions, settlement conferences, hearings, and other court proceedings as needed.
• Draft and review a variety of legal documents, including motions, discovery responses, client reports, position statements, and legal memoranda.
• Assist in trial preparation, including developing case strategy, reviewing records, interviewing clients and witnesses, and preparing exhibits and witness lists.
• Provide advice and counsel to employers on a wide range of labor and employment issues, including compliance with federal, state, and local laws, workplace policies, employment agreements, and separation agreements.
• Represent clients before government agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Labor (DOL), and state agencies, including preparing position statements and responding to agency inquiries.
• Conduct and defend depositions, as well as participate in mediations and settlement negotiations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across practice groups to deliver comprehensive legal solutions to clients.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in labor and employment law, and proactively identify potential risks and opportunities for clients.
• Contribute to the firm's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all team members.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the state of Ohio.
• At least three (3) years of experience practicing in the area of labor and employment law, including employment-related litigation.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting position statements, pleadings, motions, and legal memoranda.
• Experience representing clients before government agencies and courts, including appearances at hearings and conferences.
• Proven ability to conduct witness interviews, prepare employment and separation agreements, and provide employment-related compliance advice to employers.
• Experience taking and defending depositions is preferred.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to client service.
• A genuine interest in labor and employment law, and a desire to build a long-term career in this practice area.

Why Join Our Team?

• Professional Growth: Our firm is dedicated to supporting the ongoing professional development of our attorneys. You will have access to mentorship, training programs, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility as you advance in your career.
• Collaborative Culture: We believe that the best legal solutions are achieved through teamwork and collaboration. You will work alongside experienced attorneys who are committed to sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and delivering exceptional results for our clients.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We are proud of our inclusive culture and are committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our mission of fostering innovation and excellence.
• Client Impact: As a member of our Labor & Employment Practice Group, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on clients' businesses by helping them navigate complex legal challenges and achieve their goals.
• Recognition & Reputation: Join a firm that is consistently recognized for its excellence in client service, litigation, and workplace culture. Our attorneys are leaders in their fields and are regularly honored by industry organizations and publications.

About the Labor & Employment Practice Group

Our Labor & Employment Practice Group represents employers in a wide range of industries, providing strategic advice and advocacy on all aspects of labor and employment law. We handle matters involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour compliance, workplace investigations, labor relations, and more. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who defend clients in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies.

We understand that labor and employment issues can have a significant impact on our clients' businesses, reputations, and employees. That's why we take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to every matter, working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop tailored strategies that achieve the best possible outcomes.