Labor & Employment Associate Attorney or Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney or Counsel to join a highly respected Am Law firm.

Location: New York, New York

This is an opportunity to join a premier Labor & Employment practice advising clients on sophisticated employment-related issues arising in connection with complex corporate transactions. The team works with a broad range of clients across industries and is known for handling high-profile, strategic matters in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

The role offers substantial exposure to transactional labor and employment work, including support on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, restructurings, and other corporate matters involving employment, compensation, benefits, and workforce-related considerations. Attorneys in this group work closely with corporate deal teams and clients on complex and time-sensitive matters while taking on meaningful responsibility and client interaction.

The ideal candidate will have approximately 4–6+ years of significant transactional labor and employment experience gained at a leading law firm. Candidates should have experience advising on labor and employment issues in connection with corporate transactions, including employment-related diligence, executive compensation and retention matters, restrictive covenant issues, employee classifications, reductions in force, and other workforce-related risks and liabilities.

Candidates should possess strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage sophisticated matters in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. A high level of academic achievement and strong law firm experience are preferred.

Candidates must be admitted to the New York Bar.

The expected base salary range for this position is $365,000 – $455,000, depending on experience and other job-related factors.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a hybrid work model, professional development resources, structured mentorship programs for lateral attorneys, robust pro bono opportunities, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits. Attorneys also receive support through career development initiatives designed to facilitate long-term growth and integration within the firm.