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Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half

Robert Half

Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half

contractPosted: Feb 4, 2026

Job Description

About the Employment Counsel Role

Are you a seasoned legal professional with deep expertise in California employment law? An established Orange County company is seeking a talented Employment Counsel to join their in-house legal team in a hybrid capacity. Located in the heart of Santa Ana, California, this role offers the perfect blend of challenging work, collaborative environment, and work-life balance. As Employment Counsel, you will serve as the go-to expert for all employment-related legal matters, ensuring the company remains compliant with California's complex and ever-evolving labor regulations.

This position is ideal for attorneys who thrive on advising HR partners, conducting critical audits, and proactively mitigating risks. With a focus on Wage & Hour compliance, leaves of absence (LOA), ADA accommodations, and payroll audits, you'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the organization's workforce practices. Robert Half proudly presents this opportunity—contact Jennifer.Cotton[at]RobertHalf[dotcom] to learn more and take the next step in your career.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve providing high-level counsel on core California employment law issues:

  • Deliver expert advice on Wage & Hour compliance, including overtime, meal breaks, and minimum wage adherence.
  • Partner closely with HR to execute thorough payroll audits and maintain impeccable record-keeping standards.
  • Review, revise, and update employee handbooks to align with the latest regulations from the California Labor Code and DLSE.
  • Guide the company on ADA accommodations, interactive processes, and reasonable modifications for employees with disabilities.
  • Manage employee leaves of absence, expertly handling FMLA, CFRA, PFL, and other state-mandated programs.
  • Collaborate with HR leadership to resolve workplace disputes, investigations, and performance management issues.
  • Develop and lead engaging training sessions for managers and staff on topics like harassment prevention, anti-discrimination, and compliance best practices.
  • Draft essential legal documents, including employment policies, separation agreements, and compliance checklists.
  • Monitor legislative changes, such as updates to AB5 or Prop 22, and provide proactive recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel for litigation support, arbitrations, or high-stakes matters.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this Employment Counsel position, you must bring:

  • A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • An active license to practice law in any U.S. state (California bar preferred).
  • 3+ years of direct experience in California employment law, ideally supporting corporate in-house teams or law firm clients.
  • Proven track record handling Wage & Hour class actions, audits, and defenses.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration with HR, finance, and executives.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to distill complex legal concepts into actionable advice.
  • Familiarity with HRIS systems, payroll platforms, and compliance software is a plus.

Candidates with experience in Orange County or Southern California markets will have a competitive edge, given the region's unique regulatory landscape.

Why Join Us?

Joining this established Orange County company means becoming part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and employee well-being. Enjoy a hybrid schedule that supports flexibility, allowing you to work from the vibrant Santa Ana office or remotely as needed. Benefit from a competitive salary range of $180,000 - $240,000 annually, tailored to your experience level, plus comprehensive perks including health benefits, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, and ongoing professional development.

This role offers stability with growth potential in a company known for its innovative approach to business and people-first culture. Santa Ana, CA, provides an ideal setting with its proximity to beaches, cultural hubs, and major freeways for easy commuting. SEO-optimized for careers in California employment law jobs, in-house counsel Santa Ana, and Wage & Hour attorney Orange County, this is your chance to advance your career with Robert Half. Don't miss out—reach out today!

(Word count: 812)

Locations

  • Santa Ana, California, United States

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

180,000 - 240,000 USD / yearly

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • California Employment Lawintermediate
  • Wage & Hour Complianceintermediate
  • Leave of Absence Managementintermediate
  • Payroll Auditsintermediate
  • ADA Accommodationsintermediate
  • Employee Handbook Reviewintermediate
  • Legal Documentation Draftingintermediate
  • Employment Law Trainingintermediate
  • HR Collaborationintermediate
  • Regulatory Complianceintermediate

Required Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree (experience)
  • Active Bar license in any state (experience)
  • Direct experience supporting law firm or corporate clients on CA employment regulations (experience)
  • Strong communication and collaborative skills (experience)
  • Expertise in California Wage & Hour matters (experience)
  • Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other statutory leave requirements (experience)
  • Experience conducting payroll audits and updating employee handbooks (experience)
  • Ability to conduct training sessions on employment law topics (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert legal counsel on California employment law matters, including Wage & Hour compliance and leave of absence policies
  • Collaborate with HR teams to conduct payroll audits and ensure accurate record-keeping
  • Review and update employee handbooks to reflect current employment regulations and best practices
  • Advise on ADA accommodations and ensure compliance with relevant laws and company policies
  • Support the organization in managing employee leaves of absence, including FMLA and other statutory requirements
  • Partner with HR to address workplace issues and implement effective solutions
  • Conduct training sessions for management and staff on employment law topics
  • Draft and review legal documentation related to employment matters, such as policies, procedures, and agreements
  • Stay up-to-date on changes in employment law and provide proactive guidance to the company
  • Coordinate with outside counsel as needed on complex employment matters

Benefits

  • general: Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility
  • general: Competitive salary range of $180,000 - $240,000 annually
  • general: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • general: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • general: Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • general: Professional development opportunities and legal training
  • general: Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • general: Opportunity to work with an established Orange County company

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Robert Half CareersJobs in Santa Ana, CAEmployment Law JobsIn-House Counsel CaliforniaWage & Hour AttorneyFinanceAccountingAdmin

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Robert Half logo

Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half

Robert Half

Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half

contractPosted: Feb 4, 2026

Job Description

About the Employment Counsel Role

Are you a seasoned legal professional with deep expertise in California employment law? An established Orange County company is seeking a talented Employment Counsel to join their in-house legal team in a hybrid capacity. Located in the heart of Santa Ana, California, this role offers the perfect blend of challenging work, collaborative environment, and work-life balance. As Employment Counsel, you will serve as the go-to expert for all employment-related legal matters, ensuring the company remains compliant with California's complex and ever-evolving labor regulations.

This position is ideal for attorneys who thrive on advising HR partners, conducting critical audits, and proactively mitigating risks. With a focus on Wage & Hour compliance, leaves of absence (LOA), ADA accommodations, and payroll audits, you'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the organization's workforce practices. Robert Half proudly presents this opportunity—contact Jennifer.Cotton[at]RobertHalf[dotcom] to learn more and take the next step in your career.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve providing high-level counsel on core California employment law issues:

  • Deliver expert advice on Wage & Hour compliance, including overtime, meal breaks, and minimum wage adherence.
  • Partner closely with HR to execute thorough payroll audits and maintain impeccable record-keeping standards.
  • Review, revise, and update employee handbooks to align with the latest regulations from the California Labor Code and DLSE.
  • Guide the company on ADA accommodations, interactive processes, and reasonable modifications for employees with disabilities.
  • Manage employee leaves of absence, expertly handling FMLA, CFRA, PFL, and other state-mandated programs.
  • Collaborate with HR leadership to resolve workplace disputes, investigations, and performance management issues.
  • Develop and lead engaging training sessions for managers and staff on topics like harassment prevention, anti-discrimination, and compliance best practices.
  • Draft essential legal documents, including employment policies, separation agreements, and compliance checklists.
  • Monitor legislative changes, such as updates to AB5 or Prop 22, and provide proactive recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel for litigation support, arbitrations, or high-stakes matters.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this Employment Counsel position, you must bring:

  • A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • An active license to practice law in any U.S. state (California bar preferred).
  • 3+ years of direct experience in California employment law, ideally supporting corporate in-house teams or law firm clients.
  • Proven track record handling Wage & Hour class actions, audits, and defenses.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration with HR, finance, and executives.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to distill complex legal concepts into actionable advice.
  • Familiarity with HRIS systems, payroll platforms, and compliance software is a plus.

Candidates with experience in Orange County or Southern California markets will have a competitive edge, given the region's unique regulatory landscape.

Why Join Us?

Joining this established Orange County company means becoming part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and employee well-being. Enjoy a hybrid schedule that supports flexibility, allowing you to work from the vibrant Santa Ana office or remotely as needed. Benefit from a competitive salary range of $180,000 - $240,000 annually, tailored to your experience level, plus comprehensive perks including health benefits, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, and ongoing professional development.

This role offers stability with growth potential in a company known for its innovative approach to business and people-first culture. Santa Ana, CA, provides an ideal setting with its proximity to beaches, cultural hubs, and major freeways for easy commuting. SEO-optimized for careers in California employment law jobs, in-house counsel Santa Ana, and Wage & Hour attorney Orange County, this is your chance to advance your career with Robert Half. Don't miss out—reach out today!

(Word count: 812)

Locations

  • Santa Ana, California, United States

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

180,000 - 240,000 USD / yearly

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • California Employment Lawintermediate
  • Wage & Hour Complianceintermediate
  • Leave of Absence Managementintermediate
  • Payroll Auditsintermediate
  • ADA Accommodationsintermediate
  • Employee Handbook Reviewintermediate
  • Legal Documentation Draftingintermediate
  • Employment Law Trainingintermediate
  • HR Collaborationintermediate
  • Regulatory Complianceintermediate

Required Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree (experience)
  • Active Bar license in any state (experience)
  • Direct experience supporting law firm or corporate clients on CA employment regulations (experience)
  • Strong communication and collaborative skills (experience)
  • Expertise in California Wage & Hour matters (experience)
  • Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and other statutory leave requirements (experience)
  • Experience conducting payroll audits and updating employee handbooks (experience)
  • Ability to conduct training sessions on employment law topics (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert legal counsel on California employment law matters, including Wage & Hour compliance and leave of absence policies
  • Collaborate with HR teams to conduct payroll audits and ensure accurate record-keeping
  • Review and update employee handbooks to reflect current employment regulations and best practices
  • Advise on ADA accommodations and ensure compliance with relevant laws and company policies
  • Support the organization in managing employee leaves of absence, including FMLA and other statutory requirements
  • Partner with HR to address workplace issues and implement effective solutions
  • Conduct training sessions for management and staff on employment law topics
  • Draft and review legal documentation related to employment matters, such as policies, procedures, and agreements
  • Stay up-to-date on changes in employment law and provide proactive guidance to the company
  • Coordinate with outside counsel as needed on complex employment matters

Benefits

  • general: Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility
  • general: Competitive salary range of $180,000 - $240,000 annually
  • general: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • general: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • general: Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • general: Professional development opportunities and legal training
  • general: Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • general: Opportunity to work with an established Orange County company

Target Your Resume for "Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half" , Robert Half

Get personalized recommendations to optimize your resume specifically for Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half. Takes only 15 seconds!

AI-powered keyword optimization
Skills matching & gap analysis
Experience alignment suggestions

Check Your ATS Score for "Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half" , Robert Half

Find out how well your resume matches this job's requirements. Get comprehensive analysis including ATS compatibility, keyword matching, skill gaps, and personalized recommendations.

ATS compatibility check
Keyword optimization analysis
Skill matching & gap identification
Format & readability score

Tags & Categories

Robert Half CareersJobs in Santa Ana, CAEmployment Law JobsIn-House Counsel CaliforniaWage & Hour AttorneyFinanceAccountingAdmin

Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Employment Counsel - Careers at Robert Half @ Robert Half.

Quiz Challenge
10 Questions
~2 Minutes
Instant Score

Related Books and Jobs

No related jobs found at the moment.