Clients reach out to Carlson Dash when the stakes are real and the situation is complicated. They need a team that will outthink and outwork the other side. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and it is why the attorneys who show up, think like owners, and build loyalty thrive here.
We are growing and looking for team members who share that same approach to their work.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an Employment Law Attorney with 6+ years of experience in the following areas:
Litigation
- Leading the defense of employers in complex state and federal litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, FMLA/ADA/Title VII, wage and hour, executive disputes, and trade secret/non-compete matters.
- Managing class and collective action defense, including FLSA and state wage and hour class actions.
- Handling all aspects of high-stakes litigation - dispositive motions, appellate work, mediation, arbitration, and trial.
- Representing employer clients before the EEOC, DOL, NLRB, and state administrative agencies.
Employment Counseling & Compliance
- Drafting, auditing, and updating employee handbooks, codes of conduct, and standalone employment policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with client culture and operational needs.
- Advising on offer letters, employment agreements, separation agreements, and severance packages.
- Counseling clients on day-to-day HR matters including performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and reductions in force.
- Conducting and overseeing workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and whistleblower complaints.
- Advising on multi-state compliance, including leave laws, pay transparency requirements, non-compete enforceability, and state-specific wage and hour rules.
- Partnering with HR and in-house legal teams on workforce restructuring, M&A employment due diligence, and onboarding of acquired workforces.
Training & Preventive Services
- Designing and delivering manager and HR training programs on harassment prevention, accommodation obligations, investigation best practices, and lawful hiring and termination procedures.
- Providing proactive audits of client employment practices, including I-9 compliance, classification of exempt/non-exempt employees, and independent contractor arrangements.
- Developing client-facing resources such as policy templates, compliance checklists, and jurisdiction-specific guidance documents.
Leadership & Business Development
- Leading and mentoring junior and mid-level associates.
- Driving business development efforts, including expanding existing client relationships and cultivating new ones.
- Contributing to firm thought leadership through client alerts, seminars, and speaking engagements.
Expectations
In addition to the above experience, the successful candidate will:
- Have a command of litigation and a proven track-record of managing matters independently (complaint through resolution);
- Be comfortable in the courtroom, at the podium, in depositions, and across the negotiating table;
- Understand the interplay between employers, regulatory agencies, and opposing counsel – with demonstrated strategic thinking across all forums, including administrative proceedings, state court, and federal court.
- Possess excellent organizational and time management skills, and
- Hold an active bar license in Illinois (Wisconsin or multi-state a plus).
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation range is $125,000 - $225,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and hybrid work flexibility.
Interested in Applying?
Send us your resume in PDF format.
We thank all interested applicants however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
