Associate Attorney

Plaintiff-Side Employment Litigation

Pasadena, CA | $120,000–$140,000 + Annual Bonus

Build Your Skills. Take Ownership of Cases. Represent Employees.

We are a small, established plaintiff-side employment law firm in Pasadena looking for an associate attorney who wants to become a well-rounded litigator.

If you're early in your legal career, enjoy legal research and writing, and want to develop the skills to handle cases independently, this may be a good fit. We are particularly interested in someone who believes in representing employees and is excited about learning the practice of litigation.

Our firm focuses on wage-and-hour class actions and representative actions under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). We handle complex litigation, but our small size means associates work directly with the partners, participate in case strategy, and have opportunities to take on meaningful responsibility. We have an excellent reputation in our field and have advanced the state of the law with numerous appellate court victories which have helped shaped wage and hour class action law.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

We want to teach you how to litigate a case from beginning to end.

We don't believe junior attorneys should spend years working on only one aspect of litigation. Our approach is to involve associates in all stages of a case, with guidance and feedback from experienced attorneys.

You'll have opportunities to:

  • Work directly with the firm's two partners on complex wage-and-hour class and PAGA actions.

  • Learn to take and defend depositions, prepare and argue motions, and participate in mediations and settlement negotiations.

  • Develop litigation strategies and participate in decisions about how cases are handled.

  • Take responsibility for smaller matters, with partner supervision, to develop the skills and confidence to manage cases independently.

  • Work with clients and witnesses and see how your work affects the people we represent.

  • Participate in trial preparation and trial when the opportunity arises.

  • Understand why, not just the what, behind decisions being made.

We value attorneys who are curious, resourceful, and willing to take initiative. You'll receive guidance and support, but we'll also encourage you to think independently, exercise judgment, and grow into greater responsibility.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who is motivated to become an excellent litigator and who finds satisfaction in representing employees.

Our ideal candidate has:

  • Active membership in the California State Bar.

  • 1–3 years of civil litigation experience preferred.

  • Strong research, analytical, communication and legal writing skills.

  • Good judgment, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

  • An interest in plaintiff-side employment law, particularly wage-and-hour class actions and PAGA litigation.

  • The ability to work independently while also collaborating closely with others.

Experience in employment litigation or complex litigation is helpful but not required. We care about your potential, your writing ability, and your interest in developing as a litigator.

Occasional travel is required. This is not a remote position.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including:

  • Base salary: $120,000–$140,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

  • Annual bonus: Discretionary, with a consistent history of annual bonus payments.

  • Paid time off: Accrues at a rate of 80 hours per year.

  • Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.

  • Healthcare: Healthcare stipend.

  • Professional development: Firm-paid bar dues, professional development expenses, and applicable admission fees.

  • Other benefits: Reimbursement of approved business expenses and employer-provided parking.

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Founded in 2001, we are presently a two-partner firm with an established practice representing employees in California state and federal courts. We take our work seriously, but we believe that developing as an attorney requires more than producing research and briefs.

Our goal is to help associates become capable, independent attorneys who understand every stage of litigation—from evaluating a potential case to obtaining a judgment or settlement.

We are looking for someone who wants to build a career in plaintiff-side employment litigation and values the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow as part of a small team.

How to Apply

Please email the following materials to jchoi@yoonlaw.com:

  • Resume, including GPA.

  • Brief cover letter explaining your interest in plaintiff-side employment litigation and this opportunity.

  • Legal writing sample, preferably a motion, brief, or memorandum demonstrating your research, analysis, and writing abilities. Please redact confidential information as appropriate.

Please submit attachments in PDF format with the subject line:

Associate Attorney Application – [Your Name]

Law school transcripts may be requested later in the interview process.