Head of Employment Law Department / Senior Trial Attorney

About Alder Law

Alder Law is a stable and growing California law firm known for high-impact advocacy, strong trial preparation, and a culture that values professionalism, accountability, and results. Our Employment Law practice is expanding, and we are seeking a proven leader and trial attorney to build, lead, and drive the department forward.

Position Summary

We are seeking a senior-level Employment Law Attorney (10+ years) to serve as the Head of the Employment Law Department. This is a hands-on leadership role for an attorney who can build and scale a team, lead complex litigation, and take cases through trial.

This role is designed for a top-tier plaintiff-side attorney who wants to own a department, drive strategy, and deliver high-value results.

Key ResponsibilitiesDepartment Leadership & Growth

• Build, lead, and manage the Employment Law Department (attorneys, paralegals, and support staff)
• Develop and implement department structure, workflows, and performance standards
• Mentor and supervise attorneys, ensuring high-quality litigation and accountability
• Partner with firm leadership on hiring, growth strategy, and long-term vision
• Establish a results-driven, high-performance culture

Litigation & Trial

• Maintain an active caseload of complex employment law matters from intake through trial or resolution
• Handle all aspects of litigation, including:
• Case evaluation and strategy development
• Pleadings and motion practice
• Discovery and depositions
• Court appearances and hearings
• Lead class action and representative litigation, including wage and hour and PAGA claims
• Conduct mediations, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation
• Serve as lead trial counsel on high-exposure, high-value matters

Operational & Strategic Oversight

• Oversee case progress, team performance, and litigation outcomes
• Refine intake strategy and case selection to maximize results
• Ensure compliance with all California and federal employment laws and ethical standards

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active license and good standing with the State Bar of California (required)
• 10+ years of employment law litigation experience
• Demonstrated ability to handle full-cycle litigation through trial
• Significant experience with class action and/or PAGA litigation
• Proven leadership experience managing attorneys and legal staff
• Strong command of California and federal employment laws, including:
• Wage and hour
• Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
• Wrongful termination
• FEHA, FLSA, and related statutes
• Exceptional legal writing, analytical, and advocacy skills

Preferred Qualifications

• First-chair trial experience
• Experience building or scaling a plaintiff-side employment practice
• Strong strategic and business-minded approach to litigation

Compensation

• Base Salary: $350,000 – $400,000
• Incentive-Based Bonus Structure (performance-driven; tied to case outcomes and department success)
• Significant upside opportunity aligned with results and growth of the department

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build and lead a department from the ground up
• High-value, complex litigation with strong firm support
• A leadership team that values execution, ownership, and results
• Autonomy to shape strategy, team, and outcomes
• Long-term leadership and growth opportunity within the firm

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Representative case experience (optional but encouraged)
• Writing sample(s)

Alder Law is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization.

Pay: $350,000.00 - $400,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have an active and good standing with the State Bar of California?
• How many years of employment law Litigation experience - Plaintiff's side - do you have?
• Do you have experience leading and building up a team? Explain.

Ability to Commute:

• Valley Village, CA 91607 (Required)

Work Location: In person