Job Overview
A law firm is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Employment Lawyer to join their General Counsel team. This role will provide comprehensive legal support on employment-related matters to align with the firm's global business objectives, core values, and inclusive work culture. The Employment Lawyer will offer expert advice on a variety of employment issues, ensure compliance with legal standards, and support the firm's reputation as an employer of choice.
Duties
- Provide legal advice, guidance, and support on employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, payroll, benefits compliance, personnel performance, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
- Draft and review employment-related legal documents, such as employment contracts, separation agreements, employment agency agreements, and benefits contracts.
- Regularly review and ensure compliance of employment-related firm policies, procedures, and documents with local laws and regulations; manage employment-related risks.
- Support investigations of employment-related claims by developing investigation plans, drafting interview outlines, summarizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and writing investigation reports.
- Advise on the development of performance improvement plans (PIPs) that comply with relevant laws and regulations.
- Lead or participate in disciplinary and termination meetings.
- Manage outside counsel’s representation in employment disputes, litigation, and arbitration.
- Oversee compliance matters and responses to audits and legal information requests from regulatory authorities such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.
- Provide consultative advice on cross-border employment matters, including immigration, mobility, and expatriation procedures.
- Oversee the onboarding of external consultants and contractors, ensuring compliance with employment law, data protection, and confidentiality obligations.
- Guide whistleblowing activities and health and safety issues.
- Stay updated on employment regulatory frameworks globally and nationally, particularly in Washington, ., New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California.
- Recommend, design, and deliver training and updates to management and employees.
- Engage, evaluate, and manage external employment counsel in . jurisdictions where the firm operates.
- Support the Office of General Counsel and other firm departments in legal matters such as corporate governance and risk management.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
- Admitted to practice law in Texas.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably in a large law firm and in-house legal department.
- Extensive knowledge of . federal and state employment law, particularly in New York, Washington, ., or Texas.
- Experience with employment laws such as ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and FLSA.
- Ability to provide clear, confident, and commercial legal advice on complex issues.
Skills
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work under pressure and deliver results promptly.
- Strong research skills using various resources and databases.
- Ability to work well with all levels of personnel and deliver difficult messages with tact and diplomacy.
- Commitment to the firm’s core values and continuous personal and professional development.
Location