Key Responsibilities

• Legal Counsel:
• Provide expert legal advice and support on all aspects of employment law, including hiring, performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and employee relations
• Advise on compliance with federal, state, local employment and international (through liaising with outside counsel) laws and regulations
• Ability to handle and prioritize many matters, including at times responding urgently to contractual work and their associated negotiations
• Contracts and Agreements:
• Draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts, severance agreements, non-compete agreements, and other employment-related documents
• Ensure that all employment agreements align with company policies and legal requirements across multiple entities and jurisdictions, including internationally
• Manage and maintain company’s employment agreement template library for use by the recruiting team
• Provide legal counsel on new employment policies and assist in drafting these new policies and revising employee handbooks periodically
• Risk Management:
• Identify potential legal risks related to employment practices and develop strategies to mitigate those risks
• Monitor changes in employment law and update company practices accordingly
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with HR, management, and other departments to address employment law issues and support business objectives
• Provide guidance on employee benefits, compensation, and other HR-related matters
• Liaise closely with the recruiting team during the offer process and negotiations with candidates
• Policy Development and Implementation:
• Develop, review, and update company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices
• Implement policies related to equal employment opportunity, harassment prevention, and workplace safety
• Dispute Resolution:
• Manage and resolve employment-related disputes, including internal investigations, performance improvement plans, etc.
• Represent the company in employment-related claims, if any
• Training and Education:
• Conduct training sessions for managers and employees on employment law issues, company policies, and best practices
• Develop educational materials and resources to promote legal compliance and foster a positive work environment

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to the bar in the relevant state
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in employment law, preferably within the financial services or technology sectors
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, in particular California and New York, international experience in the UK is a plus
• Proven experience in handling employment litigation and dispute resolution
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• High ethical standards and professional integrity