Employment Litigation Associate Salaries in California

Dear Jonathan B.,

California Employment Litigation Compensation Overview

Employment litigation remains one of California's most active practice areas, and associate compensation reflects this high demand. The market splits into several distinct segments, each with different salary structures and growth trajectories.

At Am Law 100 firms in Los Angeles and San Francisco, employment litigation associates follow the standard Cravath scale compensation, starting at approximately $215,000 for first-years and reaching $365,000+ for senior associates (figures vary and should be verified). Major players like Latham & Watkins, Gibson Dunn, and O'Melveny handle complex class actions and defend Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes employment disputes.

PAGA Practice Premium

California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) creates unique opportunities for employment litigators. The 2024 reforms (AB 2288/SB 92) introduced manageability requirements, cure opportunities, and penalty reductions for proactive compliance, reshaping but not diminishing this practice area. PAGA expertise commands premium compensation (verify current requirements as implementation continues to evolve). Specialized boutique firms focusing on PAGA defense work may pay associates in the range of $180,000-$280,000, with performance bonuses that can significantly impact total compensation (figures vary widely by firm).

The wage & hour class action market remains enormous in California. Firms with California-specific expertise in meal break violations, overtime calculations, and classification issues find themselves in constant demand from both plaintiffs and defense sides.

Market Segments and Salary Ranges

BigLaw Employment Groups (Am Law 100):
• First-year: Approximately $215,000 base + $30,000-$50,000 bonus
• Mid-level (3-5 years): Approximately $285,000-$315,000 base
• Senior associates: $340,000-$365,000+ base
*Compensation varies significantly by firm and should be verified

Specialized Employment Boutiques:
• Entry-level: $160,000-$190,000
• Experienced (3-6 years): $220,000-$280,000
• PAGA specialists may command salary premiums

Mid-Market Firms (Am Law 200):
• Starting: $180,000-$205,000
• Senior associates: $250,000-$300,000

Bay Area Tech Employment Surge

The Bay Area's tech-heavy economy creates distinct opportunities. Recent layoff litigation has generated massive demand for employment attorneys, while emerging AI employment law represents a growing subspecialty. Firms like Fenwick & West, Wilson Sonsini, and Cooley dominate tech-adjacent employment work, often paying at or above BigLaw scales for candidates with relevant experience.

Tech companies' H-1B workforce dependencies also drive immigration-employment crossover practices, where associates can develop valuable dual expertise.

Geographic Variations Within California

Los Angeles and San Francisco command the highest salaries, but secondary markets like San Diego, Orange County, and Sacramento typically offer lower compensation than major markets while providing significantly lower living costs.

Many California employment firms actively recruit from other jurisdictions, recognizing that state-specific wage & hour law can be taught to strong litigators. However, candidates with existing California employment law experience command immediate premiums.

Career Trajectory Considerations

Employment litigation offers several distinct career paths in California. BigLaw provides training in complex, high-stakes matters but demands significant billable hour commitments. Boutique firms offer earlier responsibility and direct client contact, while in-house positions at major California employers may become accessible with several years of relevant practice experience.

The regulatory environment continues evolving with new pay transparency laws, AB5 gig worker classifications, and Cal/OSHA developments, ensuring sustained demand for skilled employment attorneys throughout California's diverse legal market.