Senior Counsel, Employment & Litigation

Overview

A technology company specializing in robotic delivery is seeking a Senior Counsel, Employment & Litigation to provide strategic legal support focused on California employment law and litigation management. This role involves offering day-to-day employment law guidance, managing employment-related litigation, and handling non-employment dispute resolution matters. The position reports to the General Counsel and requires working autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of employment-related litigation, including wage and hour class actions, PAGA representative actions, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, from pre-litigation through trial or resolution.
• Provide daily employment law counsel to Human Resources on hiring, performance management, discipline, terminations, compensation, and workplace conduct.
• Draft, review, and update employment policies, handbooks, offer letters, separation agreements, and other employment documents to ensure compliance with California law and evolving regulations.
• Manage and oversee outside counsel retained for employment and litigation matters.
• Lead or supervise internal workplace investigations related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, policy violations, and other employee misconduct; prepare investigation reports and recommendations.
• Handle responses to administrative charges and complaints filed with agencies such as the California Civil Rights Department, EEOC, and California Labor Commissioner.
• Develop and deliver training programs for HR professionals, managers, and senior leadership on employment law topics including anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, wage and hour compliance, and leave administration.
• Represent the organization in mediations, arbitrations, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, including preparation of mediation briefs, settlement analyses, and negotiation of terms.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of employment law experience, with significant focus on California employment law, gained through law firm and in-house counsel roles.
• Demonstrated litigation experience managing cases through all phases including motion practice, discovery, depositions, mediations, and trial preparation.
• Deep knowledge of California-specific employment statutes and regulations, as well as applicable federal employment laws.
• Experience advising business clients on employee relations matters such as performance management, discipline, terminations, workplace investigations, and accommodations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, capable of translating complex legal issues into clear guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and handle a high volume of matters in a fast-paced setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) or more years of employment law experience, including at least three (3) years in an in-house counsel role.
• Experience handling PAGA representative actions and California wage and hour class action litigation.
• Familiarity with employment law requirements across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with ability to manage multi-jurisdictional compliance.

Compensation & Benefits

Details regarding compensation and benefits are not specified.

Location

• This is a remote position open to candidates located anywhere in the United States.
• Due to the California-centric nature of the role, availability during Pacific Time business hours is expected.
• Occasional travel may be required for depositions, mediations, trials, or company meetings.