Senior Employment Counsel

Overview

This role is part of the Legal team at a U.S.-based organization providing retirement benefits access to employees at small and medium-sized businesses. The workforce spans most of the 50 states, so multistate employment compliance is central to the position.

The organization is seeking a Senior Employment Counsel to serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the People team across employment matters and to own employment disputes and employment risk end to end.

Responsibilities

Employment Counseling, Disputes and Advisory (primary focus)

• Serve as primary legal advisor to the People team across the full employment lifecycle, including hiring, performance management, corrective actions, terminations, reductions in force, accommodations, leaves, compensation, contingent workers, and sensitive employee situations.
• Own employment disputes, including managing pre-litigation claims, demand letters, administrative charges before the EEOC and state agencies, and settlement negotiations; direct outside counsel on employment litigation.
• Oversee and advise on internal employment investigations, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and policy-violation matters.
• Provide proactive counsel on employment law compliance across a multistate workforce, with particular depth advising on non-exempt employee populations; stay ahead of developments in federal, state, and local law and take steps to avoid issues before they arise.
• Advise on employee and HR data privacy and information security, including how personnel data is collected, used, and protected under applicable federal and state law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate employment-related documents, including offer letters, employment agreements, separation and severance agreements, CIIAAs, and equity-related documents.
• Translate new legal and regulatory developments into clear, practical guidance for the People team and business stakeholders.
• Partner with the People team to develop and maintain employment policies, handbooks, and compliance procedures.
• Develop and deliver training for the People team, people leaders, and business stakeholders on employment law topics, best practices, policy, and risk mitigation.

Beyond Employment (where applicable)

• Take on adjacent legal areas as business needs evolve, including privacy and information security, non-employment litigation and disputes, regulatory investigations and examinations, ERISA and benefits, commercial contracting, and marketing and advertising review.
• Support regulatory inquiries and examinations by government agencies, in coordination with outside counsel where appropriate.
• Advise on privacy and information security matters beyond the employment context, including customer, product, and vendor data, under applicable federal and state law.
• Support active litigation and disputes, including coordination with outside counsel, document collection and productions, and internal communications.
• Review and advise on marketing and advertising materials for legal and regulatory compliance.
• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements and provide general contract support across the business as needed.

Requirements

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction required.
• 8 to 10+ years of legal experience, with deep, dedicated employment law experience across both counseling and disputes, including demonstrated counseling depth on non-exempt employee populations.
• Demonstrated experience managing employment litigation and pre-litigation matters, including directing outside counsel and driving strategy and resolution.
• Demonstrated expertise in California employment law.
• Experience with equity compensation (a meaningful part of total rewards) and executive compensation.
• Law firm background is preferred, with the ability to translate analytical rigor into practical, business-ready guidance.
• Comfort advising and building relationships with non-legal stakeholders, including the People team, senior executives, and business leaders across functions.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and make sound judgment calls in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one prior in-house legal role.
• Startup or high-growth technology company experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation

• Base salary range: $200,000 - $240,000.
• The salary offered within this range is based on location within the U.S., relevant job-related skills, and experience.
• Base salary is one component of the overall total rewards package. Depending on the position, additional compensation components such as bonuses, commissions, and equity may be offered.
• In compliance with applicable laws, the organization does not inquire about salary history, or about criminal history prior to a conditional offer of employment.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4% of compensation (immediately vested) and $0 plan fees.
• Health plans, plus dental and vision insurance.
• Competitive time off and parental leave.
• Additional Wealth: unlimited access to digital tools, financial professionals, and a knowledge center to help understand equity and support financial wellness.
• Lyra: enhanced mental health support for employees and dependents.
• Carrot: fertility healthcare and family forming benefits.
• Candidly: student loan resource to help plan, borrow, and repay student debt.
• Monthly work-from-home stipend and quarterly lifestyle stipend.
• Team-building experiences, including virtual social events and team offsites.

Location

U.S. based; workforce spans most of the 50 states, so multistate employment compliance is required.