Senior Counsel, Employment

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic legal professional to join our team as Senior Counsel, Employment. This role will be instrumental in providing comprehensive strategic legal advice to our Human Resources team and other business leaders wide range of employment related issues, including hiring and workplace practices, leave and accommodation matters, wage and hour compliance, and employee discipline. The ideal candidate will be a proactive legal partner able to navigate the complexities of our business environment with integrity and strategic acumen.

Key Responsibilities

Advice and Counseling: Provide day-to-day expert legal advice and counseling to management and human resources business partners on employment issues, including recruiting, hiring, employee relations, discipline, terminations, reductions-in-force, leaves of absence, accommodations, wage and hour compliance, and immigration. Advise on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and equivalent state statutes).

Dispute Management

Assist in the management of employment litigation and respond to pre-litigation demands and federal and state agency charges, including investigating employment law claims and responding to EEOC charges and state agency charges.

External Counsel Management

Oversee and manage outside counsel to achieve optimal efficiencies, outcomes, and value for the company.

Investigations

Lead and advise human resources and other internal partners on the investigation of employee complaints and anonymous reports, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate follow-up and reporting.

Policy Formulation and Revision

Design, review and advise on employment policies, handbooks, offer letters, severance agreements, and restrictive covenants HR Collaboration: Partner with HR Business partners on the design of programs and tools to guide team members on various employment laws and best practices.

Legal Developments Monitoring

Monitor and interpret employment law developments and provide relevant summary communications and recommendations to human resources and other business partners.

Ad Hoc Projects

Work on ad hoc legal employment law-related projects, including offer letters, policies, templates, and processes.

Representation

May represent the company in administrative proceedings.

Qualifications

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school Bar Admission: Must be an active member in good standing of the TX bar or other bar and eligible to practice in-house in TX.

Experience

• Minimum of ten years of experience in employment law, with a preference for previous in-house experience Skills: Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to influence and counsel across all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in legal research tools and MS Office Suite Previous in-house legal experience is a plus Experience managing outside counsel is a plus Litigation experience in employment-related matters
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.