Employment Attorney (Counseling Litigation)

Company: Direct Counsel
Location: Seattle
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Employment Attorney (Counseling Litigation) Location: On-site preferred (with some flexibility) – Seattle, WA Practice Area: Employment Law (Employer-Side) Seniority: Mid- to Senior-Level (5 years) About the Opportunity Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Attorney to join a business-focused, full-service law firm serving small to mid-size businesses . The firm was founded by former big-law attorneys who wanted to build a practice centered on high-quality legal work, collaboration, and sustainable work–life balance . The firm now offers integrated services across: Business / Corporate Employment Litigation Tax Estate Planning / Probate The culture is collegial, supportive, and in-office , with a strong emphasis on mentorship and long-term professional growth . Position Overview This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys both employment counseling and litigation . The attorney will step into an established employer-side employment practice , inheriting work from a senior attorney approaching retirement. The position includes a mix of: Day-to-day employment counseling and policy work for employers Employment litigation and administrative matters when disputes arise The attorney will work directly with business clients , providing practical legal guidance and representation. Key Responsibilities Employment Counseling Advise employers on hiring, discipline, termination, leave issues, and accommodations Draft and update employee handbooks, policies, and employment agreements Provide compliance guidance under federal, state, and local employment laws Employment Litigation Handle or supervise litigation matters, including: Discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims Wage-and-hour disputes and statutory claims Administrative charges and agency proceedings (EEOC and state agencies) Client & Firm Collaboration Collaborate with attorneys across business and litigation practices Support ongoing client relationships and contribute to practice growth over time Qualifications 5 years of employer-side employment-law experience Strong background in employment counseling, policy development, and compliance Experience handling or materially contributing to employment litigation Ability to manage matters independently while working collaboratively Excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills Admission (or ability to become admitted) in Washington State Work Environment & Expectations Billable Hours Target of approximately 1,600 billable hours annually Emphasis on sustainable workloads and balance Culture Collaborative, in-person environment Strong mentorship and partner accessibility Focus on long-term careers, not churn Schedule Attorneys are generally in the office most days Some remote flexibility (e.g., one day per week) after onboarding More in-office presence expected initially Compensation Base salary range: $140,000 – $220,000, depending on experience, skills, and level of independence in both counseling and litigation Bonus opportunities may be available based on performance Benefits package includes health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off

Keywords: Direct Counsel, Federal Way , Employment Attorney (Counseling Litigation), Legal , Seattle, Washington