General Counsel

Overview

An organization is seeking an experienced and creative General Counsel to lead and manage its Legal Department. This executive-level role involves developing and executing strategic legal initiatives, providing practical legal advice on employment matters, litigation, contracts, data privacy, corporate governance, compliance, and other corporate legal needs. The General Counsel will operationalize legal guidance in a clear, business-focused manner and serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The role includes frequent interaction with key stakeholders such as the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Directors. Prior experience with a Professional Employer Organization is preferred.

Salary Range: $225,000 - $275,000 plus bonus

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level strategic legal guidance to the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, HR, Client Services, and other internal teams to align legal strategy with business goals.
• Lead and manage the Legal Department, including corporate attorneys and legal administrative staff, to provide practical day-to-day legal support for client service delivery, licensing, garnishments, employee benefits compliance, and related functions.
• Review complex client service agreements, vendor contracts, and broker contracts; develop new contract forms as services evolve; manage the Vendor Management and risk assessment program.
• Design and deliver training on employment law, workplace compliance, managerial best practices, wage and hour, leave law, responsible AI, and other relevant topics.
• Support audits and compliance reviews related to employment practices, including I-9, immigration compliance, ERISA, ACA, and employee benefit plans.
• Monitor changes in employment law, tax compliance, and employee benefits compliance proactively.
• Develop and implement strategic and compliance initiatives across the organization.
• Advise on escalated issues involving clients, employees, compliance, and HR matters.
• Oversee dispute and litigation management in partnership with Corporate Counsel and outside counsel, including subpoenas, garnishments, litigation holds, and EPLI claims support.
• Lead company benefits compliance guidance, including group health plan and retirement plan compliance.
• Oversee 401(k) administration and related professional work.
• Manage the data privacy program and monitor domestic privacy and data protection developments.
• Counsel on emerging technologies, data governance, privacy, and data protection language in agreements; promote AI literacy and serve on the AI Governance Committee.
• Collaborate with the insurance broker on corporate insurance renewals and manage cybersecurity incident response and remediation.
• Oversee the intellectual property portfolio.
• Maintain corporate governance processes and documentation, including Board and committee materials and governance policies; attend Board meetings as necessary and perform Company Secretary functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Florida Bar or Florida In-House Authorized and resident of the State of Florida.
• 10 to 15 years of relevant legal experience in law firm and/or in-house roles, with significant employment law experience; a combination of law firm and in-house experience preferred.
• Experience working for a Professional Employer Organization or Human Capital Management company, including ERISA experience, strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
• Prior management experience required.
• Proven ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice and build effective relationships with internal business partners.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Skills & Competencies

• Executive presence with confidence, sound judgment, and credibility when advising executive leaders, senior stakeholders, and Board members.
• Strong business partnership skills to align legal strategy with company goals.
• Excellent communication skills to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Leadership skills to manage legal professionals and cross-functional initiatives collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage competing priorities and complex projects.
• Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-service-oriented environment and remain steady under pressure.
• Compliance mindset with proactive monitoring of legal, regulatory, tax, employee benefits, privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance developments.

Work Environment

This primarily office-based position involves computer work in a corporate or remote home office setting. Occasional travel may be required for business needs and company events. The role includes telephone use, participation in virtual or in-person meetings, and completion of training sessions. The environment is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience and market standards.
• Medical insurance with more than 80% employer coverage for employees and approximately 56–66% coverage for dependents (varies by plan).
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 100% employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligibility, including a $1,000 employer HSA contribution for eligible plans.
• Pet insurance and legal discount plan available.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Wellness support including year-round wellness events, wellness challenges, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employee discount program, and a culture encouraging balance and personal wellness.
• Generous paid time off, paid holidays, floating holiday, and volunteer time off.

Location

This role requires residency in the State of Florida and membership in good standing with the Florida Bar or Florida In-House Authorized status.