gpac | The Recruitment Platform

Employment Law Associate in San Francisco

Date Posted: 04 May 2026

Job Snapshot

Job Description

Employment Law Associate | Public Entity Focus

Location: Concord, CA (Hybrid / Remote / In-Office) Billable Requirement: 1,800 Hours Status: Full-Time, Confidential Hire

Are you an Employment Law Associate who loves the intellectual challenge of the field but is weary of the 2,200-billable-hour "grind"?

We are currently partnering with a premier firm in Concord, CA, that has successfully bridged the gap between high-stakes legal practice and genuine personal sustainability. They are seeking a sharp, empathetic Associate to join a team where "work-life balance" is a measurable metric, not just a recruitment slogan.

Why This Firm Stands Out

  • The 1,800 Goal: While the industry standard continues to climb toward 2,100+, our client maintains a firm 1,800-hour yearly requirement. This is designed to ensure you have the mental bandwidth to provide elite counsel without burning out.

  • True Location Flexibility: The firm is "productivity-first." Whether you prefer a collaborative office environment, a fully remote setup, or a hybrid mix, they empower you to choose the environment where you do your best work.

  • Public Sector Mission: You will navigate the complex intersection of administrative law and labor relations. Your work directly impacts Public Entities, helping the organizations that keep California’s communities functioning.

Key Responsibilities

As a primary point of contact for both public and private sector clients, you will:

  • Provide Strategic Counsel: Offer proactive advice on wage/hour compliance, leaves of absence (FMLA/CFRA), and employee discipline.

  • Lead Investigations: Conduct high-level workplace investigations into sensitive matters.

  • Litigation Defense: Defend clients against FEHA/Title VII claims and represent them in administrative hearings.

  • Drafting & Policy: Create and refine complex employment agreements, handbooks, and specialized policies.

Candidate Profile

  • Licensure: Active member of the California State Bar in good standing.

  • Experience: 2–8 years of dedicated Employment Law experience.

  • The Public Sector Edge: Experience with the Government Code, PERB, or the Brown Act is highly desirable and will fast-track your application.

  • The "Counselor" Approach: You view yourself as a strategic partner to your clients, capable of translating complex statutes into actionable business or agency advice.

  • Autonomy: A proven ability to manage a diverse caseload independently, particularly in a remote or hybrid capacity.

Benefits & Culture

  • Compensation: Competitive base salary with a transparent, attainable bonus structure.

  • Wellness: Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage + 401(k) with employer contributions.

  • Lifestyle: Located in Concord, offering the best of the Bay Area without the grueling downtown San Francisco commute or cost of living.

 

Reach out to Nykki McAdoo at nykki.mcadoo@gogpac.com to submit your confidential application.

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

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