Corporate Counsel & Director, Legal Services

Overview

This role is responsible for managing employment litigation and dispute resolution for support services and operations groups. The Director provides practical and timely advice on all aspects of U.S. labor and employment law, manages pre-litigation and litigation matters including arbitrations and agency charges, and collaborates with HR, Operations, and leadership to mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and support positive business outcomes. The position oversees outside counsel and drives consistent policies, training, and processes to maintain a legally compliant workplace.

Responsibilities

Advice & Counsel

• Serve as primary legal advisor to HR, Operations, and business leaders on employment law issues such as hiring, background checks, pay practices, scheduling, overtime/classification, timekeeping, discipline, performance management, accommodations, leaves of absence, separations, and post-employment obligations.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, USERRA, OSHA, pay transparency and equity laws, state/municipal leave and wage-hour laws, background/ban-the-box, drug testing, and privacy laws like CCPA/CPRA as applicable.
• Draft, review, and update employment-related documents including offer letters, onboarding/offboarding documents, arbitration agreements, restrictive covenant agreements, separation agreements, and settlement agreements.
• Partner with HR on compensation and pay equity reviews, audits, and remediation plans.

Litigation, Arbitration, and Dispute Management

• Lead strategy and day-to-day management of employment litigation (single-plaintiff and class/collective actions), arbitrations, pre-litigation demands, and threatened claims from intake through resolution.
• Direct outside counsel by selecting firms, setting strategy and budgets, defining success metrics, managing spend, and ensuring matter updates and outcomes are tracked.
• Oversee responses to attorney demand letters and pre-suit claims; negotiate early and cost-effective resolutions when appropriate.
• Manage eDiscovery and legal hold processes in partnership with IT and Records; approve document productions and privilege logs; ensure defensible collection and retention practices.

Agency Charges and Government Matters

• Respond to and manage administrative charges, audits, and investigations before agencies such as EEOC, DOL (including WHD), NLRB, OSHA, OFCCP, and state/local agencies.
• Prepare position statements, witness preparation, and information responses.
• Represent the organization at mediations and conciliations; coordinate with government investigators ensuring accurate, timely, and complete submissions.

Internal Investigations

• Conduct, oversee, and advise on sensitive internal investigations (e.g., discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage-hour, safety, code of conduct, whistleblower) ensuring privilege, fairness, and thorough documentation.
• Recommend findings and corrective actions; partner with HR and leadership on remediation plans.

Policies, Compliance, and Risk Mitigation

• Own and update employment policies, handbooks, and manager toolkits; develop national frameworks with state/local addenda as needed.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments; translate changes into practical guidance, communications, and policy/process updates.
• Develop and deliver training for HR and managers on core topics such as EEO/anti-harassment, accommodations and leaves, wage-hour compliance, investigations, performance management, and documentation.
• Support audits and compliance programs including I-9/E-Verify, contractor classification, and pay practices.

Labor Relations (where applicable)

• Advise on NLRA issues, protected concerted activity, and union organizing.
• Support collective bargaining strategy and grievance/arbitration management in union settings as needed.

Corporate Transactions and Projects

• Support mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, property openings/closures, and integrations with employment law diligence, risk assessments, and transition plans including onboarding, communications, retention/severance, and policy harmonization.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in other projects and corporate initiatives as assigned.
• Follow established policies and procedures, monitor compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational standards, and report violations.
• Identify areas for improvement and suggest efficiency and productivity enhancements.
• Stay current on legal developments and industry practices through training, research, and professional publications.

Requirements

Education and Licensure

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar; eligible for in-house counsel registration/authorization in relevant jurisdictions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum 4 years of employment law experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house roles.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations with ability to research and apply evolving requirements.
• Exceptional judgment, issue-spotting, and problem-solving skills with a practical, business-oriented approach.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft clear, persuasive position statements, policies, and guidance.
• Strong negotiation and dispute-resolution skills including mediation and settlement strategy.
• Experience overseeing eDiscovery, legal holds, and defensible data preservation practices.
• Ability to manage multiple high priority matters under tight timelines; strong project management and organizational skills.
• High integrity and discretion with confidential information; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proficiency with matter management and e-billing tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $155,000 - $170,000 USD annually.
• Additional compensation may include eligibility for quarterly or annual bonus programs based on individual and company performance.
• Benefits include competitive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance with low or free employee medical costs for employee-only coverage.
• Generous paid time off starting with 15 vacation days, 4 personal days, 10 sick days, 11 paid holidays, and birthday off after one year of service; additional vacation accrues with tenure.
• For onsite team members, housing discounts at managed communities may be available subject to availability.
• Six-week paid sabbatical after 10 years of service and every 5 years thereafter.
• 401(k) plan with company match up to 6% of pay after 6 months of service.
• Paid parental leave and lifetime fertility benefit reimbursement up to $10,000 including adoption or surrogacy.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional voluntary benefits such as critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, pet insurance, and legal plans.
• Charitable giving program.

Location

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Occasional travel may be required for business meetings, training, or other responsibilities.

Physical Demands

• Ability to view computer screens and electronic equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, carry, or maneuver weights up to 10 pounds independently and 25 pounds with assistance.