Experienced Employment Law Senior Attorney

Company: Michael Sullivan & Assoc
Location: Oakland
Posted on: March 6, 2025

Job Description:

As the Employment Law Department continues to grow, Michael Sullivan & Associates is now seeking a Senior Attorney with 10+ years of Employment Law experience.

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.




Job Competencies


Must have a well-established and exclusive employment litigation, defense background
School district defense experience required
Trial experience preferred, but not required
Experience with public entity defense a plus
Bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees
Member, State Bar of California in good standing
Superior research, analytical, and negotiating ability
Excellent written and oral communication
Commitment to proactive case management

Benefits & Pay

We offer a competitive salary, a casual environment, and a generous benefits package including:

Competitive Salary with Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO) for Attorneys
- Eligible Attorneys get 90 Credit Hours offered once per calendar year to take a vacation!
- Remote Work (office space is also available, if needed)
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet Insurance
- Firm paid Life Insurance
- 11 Paid Holidays
- 401(k) + Employer Matching after 1-year
- Flexible Spending Account
- Accelerated Partnership Track
- Continuous Training/Learning
- Employee Discounts
- Holiday Parties & Team Building
- Employee Referral Program
- Free Snacks & Beverages
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Military Leave
- Premium Office Locations
- Ease of Access to Public Transit
- Casual Dress Code

Tasks Performed:

1. Litigation Defense & Risk Management for School Districts:

Defend school districts in employment-related lawsuits, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims involving teachers, staff, and administrators.
Handle disputes arising from complaints filed with agencies like the EEOC, state education departments, and labor boards.
Oversee the discovery process, motion practice, and settlement negotiations, with a focus on public sector employment regulations and education law.

2. Strategic Counsel & Legal Guidance for School District Leadership:

Advise school boards, superintendents, and HR departments on navigating complex employment laws such as Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and state-specific education regulations.
Develop proactive legal strategies to mitigate risk in labor disputes, employee discipline, hiring practices, and contract negotiations.
Provide counsel on addressing union relations, teacher tenure, and collective bargaining agreements to prevent litigation and ensure compliance.

3. Policy Development & Compliance for Educational Institutions:

Review and draft school district employment policies on areas like employee conduct, tenure, discipline, and termination, ensuring they align with both employment and education laws.
Advise on drafting teacher and staff contracts, ensuring compliance with public education laws, union agreements, and collective bargaining terms.
Ensure the district's practices comply with federal and state regulations affecting public school employment, including Title IX, ADA, and other education-specific statutes.

4. Training & Development for School District HR and Administrators:

Provide tailored training to school district leadership, HR personnel, and administrators on legal compliance, best practices in handling employee relations, and mitigating risks of litigation in the educational context.
Conduct workshops on issues such as anti-discrimination, sexual harassment prevention, and navigating teacher tenure and union rules, ensuring the district adheres to legal and ethical standards.



Work Environment

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required

Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and speaking

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

If you possess the above experience and attributes, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and cover letter via email. No calls or faxes, please.



Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Keywords: Michael Sullivan & Assoc, Oakland , Experienced Employment Law Senior Attorney, Human Resources , Oakland, California