Employment Counsel

Overview

An established digital sports platform is seeking an experienced Employment Counsel to serve as a legal partner to the HR and Employment teams within a rapidly evolving business. This role involves managing employment agreements, advising on employee relations matters, overseeing employment-related disputes, and ensuring compliance with complex federal, state, and industry-specific regulations.

The Employment Counsel will act as the central point of contact for employment law matters, providing practical, risk-based guidance that balances legal compliance with business objectives.

Responsibilities

Employment Agreements & Documentation

• Draft, review, and negotiate employment agreements, offer letters, separation agreements, confidentiality agreements, and restrictive covenant agreements.
• Support executive and key employee compensation arrangements, including incentive and equity plans (as applicable).
• Develop and maintain standardized employment templates and playbooks aligned with regulatory requirements.

Employee Relations & HR Advisory

• Serve as legal advisor to HR on employee relations matters, including investigations, discipline, performance management, workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, and terminations.
• Provide guidance on employment actions involving licensed or regulated employees.
• Advise on workplace policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and industry-specific regulations.
• Review and update employee handbooks and codes of conduct to reflect regulatory obligations and enforcement trends.

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor and interpret changes in employment and industry regulations, advising internal stakeholders on required updates.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination laws, leave laws, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Support audits, regulatory inquiries, and internal compliance reviews.
• Partner with Compliance and Risk teams to align employment practices with enterprise risk management frameworks.

Disputes & Litigation Management

• Manage and assist with employment-related disputes, administrative agency charges, arbitration, and pre-litigation matters.
• Oversee outside counsel in employment litigation and regulatory investigations.
• Prepare responses to agency inquiries (e.g., EEOC, DOL, state labor departments, industry regulators).
• Advise on strategy and risk mitigation in connection with claims and investigations.

Training & Risk Mitigation

• Deliver employment law training to managers and HR professionals.
• Proactively identify emerging employment risks and recommend preventative strategies.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing.
• 4–6 years of employment law experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and experience advising in multi-state environments.
• Experience with US and international workforce.
• Experience handling employment disputes and working with outside counsel.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business guidance.
• Strong written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.

Core Competencies

• Sound legal judgment and risk assessment.
• Business-oriented and pragmatic approach.
• Ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Organized, responsive, and able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $190,000 to $210,000 USD (ranges vary based on country and state of residence).
• Compensation includes base salary and bonus.
• Full-time employment benefits available.

Location

The organization operates with headquarters in New York and additional offices in Denver, Leeds, and Dublin. The role may involve supporting a multi-state and international workforce.