Associate Counsel

Essential Functions

• Advise HR and management on employment law issues, including hiring, performance management, terminations, wage and hour compliance, accommodations, and employee relations.
• Partner with HR to draft, review and update employment-related documents such as offer letters, employment agreements, separation agreements, and employee handbooks.
• Manage and respond to employment-related claims and administrative charges (EEOC, DOL, state agencies) and conduct internal investigations, as needed.
• Partner with HR to develop and deliver training on employment law topics, including anti-harassment, discrimination and workplace conduct.
• Monitor changes in employment laws and regulations and ensure company policies and practices remain compliant.
• Support internal investigations and disciplinary actions, ensuring fairness and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with outside counsel on employment litigation and complex legal matters.
• Assist with labor relations and union matters, as needed.
• Provide support to other areas of the legal department, as needed (e.g., contracts, intellectual property, litigation, real estate and compliance).

Minimum Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school. 
• Admission to, and good standing with, at least one US state bar (or DC).
• 5+ years of legal experience, with a strong focus on employment law; in-house experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA).
• Excellent judgment, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across departments.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in a corporate legal department or advising corporate clients.
• Familiarity with international employment law.
• Experience managing or advising on workplace investigations and compliance programs.
• Ability to change gear quickly and provide service to a wide range of different needs, business models, and personality types.
• Purposeful, results-focused, with well-developed prioritization skills.
• Some travel (domestic and international) is required.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires minimal physical activity but does require computer usage for an extended period – up to 8 hours a day. 
• No unusual environmental, lifting or exertion requirements are associated with this position.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.