Counsel, Labor Employment and Benefits

Overview

This fully remote attorney position supports enterprise-wide labor, employment, and benefits matters for a global organization with a broad portfolio of recognizable brands.

The role partners closely with senior leaders and HR to provide clear, risk-based counsel and practical employment solutions. Responsibilities span the full employment lifecycle and include counseling on benefits, leaves and accommodations, employment disputes, and employment law compliance across regions.

Responsibilities

Universal Accountabilities

• Provide excellent oral and written communication, tailoring messages to different audiences
• Apply strong legal and organizational judgment to drive solutions
• Deliver well-reasoned, balanced legal advice that is understandable to business stakeholders
• Collaborate as part of a team and work independently as projects dictate
• Think strategically and develop resolutions to complex legal issues
• Identify critical legal risks and evaluate immediate and longer-term impacts
• Mitigate risk while remaining aligned with business objectives
• Manage multiple competing priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Prioritize matters by weighing value and risk
• Maintain a global mindset and work virtually with colleagues across regions
• Act as a self-starter with curiosity about other areas of law and the organization’s business

Specific Accountabilities

• Provide day-to-day counseling on labor and employment legal issues across the employment lifecycle (recruitment, performance management, termination) for all functions globally
• Counsel and support the Total Rewards team and Benefits Committee on global benefits issues, including health and welfare, retirement, perquisites, and severance
• Advise on leaves and accommodations
• Develop strategy and negotiate resolutions of employment disputes
• Advise on the risk associated with employment law claims, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims
• Develop policies and training programs to meet employment law requirements and business needs
• Assist with adjusting grievances and administering collective bargaining agreements
• Stay current on global labor, employment, and benefits laws and advise on their impact to the business
• Minimize legal exposure related to voluntary or involuntary terminations and reorganizations consistent with organizational objectives
• Maintain global employment agreement templates and severance policies
• Assist with HR and Compliance investigations as needed
• Work with other members of the Legal Department on cross-functional initiatives
• Perform other responsibilities as needed

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited institution
• Member in good standing of at least one state bar
• 4–6 years of relevant experience at a large law firm or as in-house counsel in a similar capacity
• Experience proactively advising on labor, employment, and benefits issues
• Experience with contested employment law matters (e.g., EEOC proceedings and lawsuits alleging discrimination, harassment, or retaliation)
• Experience advising senior business leaders on employment law matters and the impact on strategic goals
• Strong customer service focus

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in-house experience
• Experience advising on global employment law issues
• Experience managing outside counsel and establishing and monitoring legal budgets

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: USD $135,000.00/Yr. - USD $175,000.00/Yr.
• Actual base salary offered may vary based on factors including relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location.
• Benefits include health and welfare insurance, parental leave, paid time off, and retirement savings plans.

Location

Fully remote opportunity.