Overview

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 yearBenefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insuranceApplication 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