Senior Employment Counsel - Join a Top Global Company in Pasadena, CA

Robert Half is proud to partner with a leading global company seeking a talented In House Employment Attorney to fill this newly created Senior Employment Counsel position. Located in the heart of Pasadena, California, this role offers a unique opportunity to handle sophisticated employment litigation in-house, supporting a large, established legal team during an exciting growth phase. If you have deep expertise in employment law, litigation management, and risk mitigation, this hybrid position (3 days onsite) provides autonomy, reasonable hours, and direct impact on business objectives.

About the Role

As Senior Employment Counsel, you will focus exclusively on employment disputes, owning a broad litigation docket while partnering cross-functionally with HR and business leaders. This is not a generalist role—it's a specialized position designed to bring employment matters in-house, reducing external counsel reliance. Operate within a flexible hybrid model in Pasadena, CA, with core hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and no billable requirements. Enjoy hands-off management in a collaborative environment at a stable, expanding organization with matters spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve high-impact work in employment law:

• Manage Complex Dockets: Oversee pre-litigation matters, full-scale litigation, and administrative claims, including agency charges, hearings, and investigations.
• Proactive Counseling: Advise internal stakeholders on litigation risks, dispute resolution strategies, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws like FEHA, ADA, FMLA, and wage/hour regulations.
• Litigation Support: Draft motions, briefs, and pleadings; manage e-discovery (ESI), document collection, and production; propound and respond to interrogatories, requests for production, and admissions.
• Deposition and Trial Expertise: Prepare witnesses, take and defend depositions, and represent the company in hearings, trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with HR, business leaders, and the legal team to develop dispute strategies that minimize risk and align with company goals.
• Reporting and Tracking: Maintain detailed matter logs, provide regular updates, and ensure timely progression toward favorable outcomes.

Required Qualifications

To succeed, bring these essential qualifications to the table:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in employment litigation, ideally in-house or at a reputable law firm handling California and multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Demonstrated success managing single-plaintiff and class/collective actions, agency proceedings (EEOC, DFEH, DLSE), and high-stakes disputes.
• Technical proficiency in litigation tools, e-discovery platforms, and matter management systems.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and communication skills for advising executives and preparing court documents.
• Ability to thrive autonomously while fostering strong internal relationships.
• Preference for experience in tech, manufacturing, or global enterprise environments.

This role demands a strategic thinker passionate about employment law who can balance proactive prevention with aggressive defense.

Why Join Us?

Step into a rewarding career at a top global company through Robert Half:

• Compensation: $160,000–$185,000 base + 10% target bonus (DOE), around the $165,000 context.
• Perks: Comprehensive health/dental/vision, 401(k), HSA, life insurance, 2 weeks PTO + sick time, hybrid flexibility.
• Culture: Growth-oriented firm with sophisticated work, reasonable hours, and true ownership—no micromanagement.
• Location Advantage: Pasadena, California, offers vibrant community access, proximity to LA, and ideal weather.

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Apply Now: Submit your resume to Samantha Graham at Robert Half. Join a winning team shaping the future of in-house employment law! (748 words)