Lead Employment Counsel

Overview

An AI research and product company is seeking an experienced Lead Employment Counsel to join their Legal Team. This role involves partnering with the People team and other stakeholders to provide legal advice on global employment law issues throughout the full employment lifecycle. The position includes developing employment policies and procedures to support the company’s continued scaling and managing employment-related legal risk across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Advise and collaborate with the People team and other stakeholders on employment law matters across various jurisdictions, including contract negotiation, onboarding, performance management, and termination.
• Provide clear, pragmatic, and business-focused legal advice.
• Develop and manage employment practices, policies, and procedures suitable for a growing global company.
• Manage and coordinate with outside counsel worldwide.
• Stay updated on global employment laws and regulations, advising on applicable changes and proposing necessary updates.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) and active membership in at least one U.S. State Bar, or law degree and qualification to practice law in an EMEA jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant post-qualification employment law experience, including in-house experience at a fast-paced, global company.
• Experience building employment-related processes and procedures, partnering with HR on onboarding and offboarding, and handling complex employment litigation.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-growth, emerging technology company.
• Experience negotiating complex employment contracts and termination agreements.
• Experience collaborating with teams and outside counsel across multiple global jurisdictions.
• Prior law firm experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual discretionary stipend for professional development.
• Annual discretionary stipend for social travel to meet colleagues.
• Annual company offsite in various international locations.
• Monthly co-working stipend for remote employees not near main hubs.

Location

This is a remote-first role available in the United States (Eastern Time Zone) or EMEA. Candidates may also choose to work from offices located in New York or London.