Counsel, Labor Employment and Benefits

Overview

This is a fully remote role with enterprise-wide responsibility for labor, employment, and benefits legal matters. The position serves as a high-visibility business partner, working closely with senior leaders and HR to develop practical, risk-based solutions to complex employment issues.

The employer is seeking an attorney to join the Legal Department as Counsel, Labor, Employment and Benefits, reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Supply Chain, Operations and Human Resources.

Responsibilities

Universal Accountabilities

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences.
• Apply strong legal and organizational judgment to drive practical solutions.
• Provide well-reasoned, balanced legal advice that is clear and understandable to business partners.
• Work effectively independently and collaboratively, based on project needs.
• Think strategically and develop solutions to complex legal issues.
• Identify critical legal risks and assess immediate and long-term implications of different approaches.
• Mitigate risk while remaining aligned with business objectives.
• Manage multiple competing priorities while meeting tight deadlines.
• Prioritize time and resources by weighing value and risk associated with different matters.
• Demonstrate a global mindset and ability to work virtually with colleagues across regions.
• Take initiative as a self-starter, staying curious about other areas of law and the employer’s business.

Specific Accountabilities

• Provide day-to-day counsel on labor and employment legal issues throughout the employment lifecycle, from recruitment and performance management through termination, across all functions globally.
• Provide legal counsel and support to the Total Rewards team and Benefits Committee on global benefits matters, including health and welfare, retirement, perquisites, and severance.
• Advise on leave and accommodation matters.
• Develop strategies for, and negotiate the resolution of, employment disputes.
• Advise on risks associated with employment law claims, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage-and-hour claims.
• Develop employment-law-compliant policies and training programs that meet both legal requirements and business needs.
• Assist with grievance adjustment and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Stay current on global labor, employment, and benefits laws and advise the business on their impact.
• Minimize legal exposure associated with voluntary and involuntary terminations and reorganizations while remaining consistent with business objectives.
• Maintain global employment agreement templates and severance policies.
• Assist with HR and Compliance investigations, as needed.
• Collaborate with other members of the Legal Department on cross-functional initiatives.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited institution.
• Active membership in good standing with 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 matters.
• Experience handling contested employment law matters, including EEOC proceedings and lawsuits alleging discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
• Experience advising senior business leaders on employment law matters and their impact on strategic objectives.
• Strong customer service orientation.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Location

Fully remote