Employment Law Partner

Key Responsibilities:
Litigation & Risk Management:

• Represent districts in legal matters involving employment disputes (e.g., wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation).
• Lead all stages of litigation including discovery, motion practice, and resolution.
• Handle agency complaints with EEOC, state labor boards, and other relevant entities.

Strategic Legal Counsel:

• Advise leadership teams, HR departments, and boards on compliance with Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and other relevant laws.
• Provide proactive legal strategies to reduce risk and enhance compliance, particularly with union and collective bargaining matters.

Policy Development & Compliance:

• Draft and review employment policies, contracts, and guidelines to ensure legal alignment.
• Ensure that staff conduct, discipline, and termination procedures comply with state and federal education and employment law.

Training & Education:

• Deliver workshops and training sessions on legal topics including discrimination prevention, tenure practices, and union negotiations.
• Guide HR teams and administrators on best practices in employee relations and litigation prevention.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of employment law experience, with at least 80% focused on employment litigation in the past 5 years.
• Experience representing school districts or public entities in defense litigation.
• Proven civil trial experience preferred (1st or 2nd chair roles).
• Must have exclusively defense-side litigation experience.
• Active and in good standing with the California State Bar.

Surf Wave Recruiting is an innovative recruiting firm that focuses on Mid to Senior level
positions. We specialize in Direct Placement roles throughout North
America, South America, and Europe.