San Diego - Mid-Senior Level Prevailing Wage Associate Attorney at Pernini Legal, LLC
Job Description
PREVAILING WAGE ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION PRACTICE
Location: San Diego, CA
Our client, an AmLaw 150 international labor and employment law firm, is seeking a mid to senior-level Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Labor & Employment Litigation Practice, focusing on prevailing wage matters. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with public and private employers on complex California and federal prevailing wage issues, including high-visibility public works projects and federal Davis-Bacon compliance.
Candidate Profile
- JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
- Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing
- 4–7 years of substantive employment litigation experience, including prevailing wage matters
- Experience advising employers on California public works and federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage compliance
- Experience handling enforcement actions and investigations before the DIR and DLSE
- Litigation experience in state and federal courts involving wage and hour matters
- Proficiency in drafting and responding to discovery requests and pleadings
- Experience drafting and arguing motions, and taking and defending depositions
- Prior experience at a reputable labor/employment or litigation practice preferred
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment; self-starter with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Key Responsibilities
- Advise employers on California prevailing wage and federal Davis-Bacon obligations
- Represent clients before the DIR and DLSE in investigations and enforcement proceedings
- Litigate wage-related claims in state and federal courts
- Draft discovery, pleadings, and motions, and develop case strategy
- Prepare for and conduct depositions and hearings
- Collaborate with partners and clients to deliver strategic, business-focused solutions
Why Join Us?
This position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a premier labor and employment law firm with a highly-respected prevailing wage practice. You will handle sophisticated matters impacting high-profile public works projects and major employers across California and beyond. Attorneys in this practice benefit from direct client interaction, hands-on litigation experience, ongoing training, and meaningful opportunities for advancement. The firm fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where talented attorneys thrive through mentorship, professional development support, and exposure to cutting-edge labor and employment issues.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Annual base salary expected to range from $230,000 – $270,000, based on experience, qualifications, and market factors
- Eligibility for bonuses and profit-sharing
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid time off; paid parental leave; 401(k) with employer contribution; family/dependent care leave; FSA/HSA; and an employee assistance program
- Additional Benefits: Optional critical care, accident and hospital indemnity coverage, domestic partner benefits, student loan refinancing support; dependent life insurance; and pet insurance
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, law school transcript, and writing sample (10 pages max, substantially unedited by others) for consideration.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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