Entry-Level or Junior Labor & Employment Associate

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking a recent graduate or junior associate to join its Labor & Employment Practice Group in the Boise, ID or Portland, OR office.

Our Labor & Employment Team
 

Stoel Rives’ Labor & Employment group is a collaborative team of more than two dozen attorneys who advise employers on complex workplace issues. Our attorneys are experienced trial attorneys and trusted counselors, handling high-stakes matters such as wage and hour class actions, discrimination claims, workplace investigations, labor relations, and day-to-day employment counseling. We serve clients across a range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, agribusiness, and technology, providing practical, business-focused solutions to their most critical workforce challenges. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of service and practical, innovative, and business-focused solutions.

Qualifications

Below are the skills and experience necessary for this role. Candidates might not have all these skills and experiences, but if you have many of them and are enthusiastic about developing others, we encourage you to apply.

We are looking for a recent graduate or junior associate who has a deep interest in Labor & Employment and wants to practice in Boise, ID or Portland, OR starting in the fall of 2026:

• JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.
• Active membership with the Idaho or Oregon State Bar, or a recent JD law school graduate who passed the February 2026 Idaho or Oregon Bar Exam or who is registered to take the July 2026 exam.
• Coursework or experience in Labor and Employment, and a demonstrated interest in building a long-term practice in this area.
• Experience prior to or during law school that might include professional work experience, participation in Labor and Employment law school organizations, law review, mock trial, or moot court.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and collaborate across teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, responsiveness, initiative, and perseverance, and commitment to client service and team success.
• Experience with employment litigation from intake through resolution, including motion practice, discovery, depositions, and mediation; trial/arbitration experience a plus.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation for this position is $180,000 in Boise or Portland. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.