In-House Employment Counsel

A law firm is seeking an In-House Employment Counsel. The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice and counsel on a full range of personnel matters, collaborate with HR departments to ensure compliance with employment laws and Firm policies and lead or assist with HR-related investigations. Key responsibilities and qualifications include:

Job Overview: The In-House Employment Counsel will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and counsel on various personnel matters, collaborating with HR departments, drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Duties:

• Provide expert legal advice and counsel on a full range of personnel matters, including hiring and terminations, leaves and accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, personnel performance and behavior, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
• Collaborate with the HR department and provide high-level advice or support to HR colleagues to ensure compliance with employment laws and Firm policies.
• Draft and review employment contracts and other legal documents.
• Draft personnel agreements (e.g., severance, relocation, change in status, consultant, etc.) and maintain appropriate templates.
• Draft and update personnel policies and implement best practices in light of current law and Firm initiatives.
• Conduct legal research and stay up-to-date with employment laws and regulations.
• Lead or assist with HR-related investigations.
• Liaise with outside counsel on employment-related litigation and disputes when necessary.
• Understand the employment regulatory frameworks globally, particularly developments in New York, DC, California, and the US nationally.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to minimize risk and ensure compliance.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with all members of the Legal Department to ensure consistent and global operation.
• Train management and staff on various employment law matters.

Requirements:

• Hold a law degree.
• Be admitted to practice law in New York.
• Have 4 years of experience practicing employment law.
• Have strong analytical skills and can quickly grasp relevant issues within a commercial context.
• Possess confidence, presence, and a diplomatic manner.
• Be a proactive problem solver with pragmatic commercial thinking.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrate confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Be a positive team player with superb organizational skills.
• Commit to continuous improvement.
• Ability to strategically identify new systems and procedures to improve departmental efficiency.
• Diplomatic and professional demeanor with an understanding of global nuances.

Education and Certifications:

• Law degree and admission to practice law in New York.

Skills:

• Excellent drafting skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to influence and liaise with all levels of staff.
• High level of IT skills.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Working knowledge of various employment laws.
• Working knowledge of statistical concepts.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• 4 years of experience working as a qualified lawyer within a global team at a leading international law firm.
• Experience advising multi-state employers.
• Working knowledge of the ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and FLSA.
• Conflict resolution skills and experience.

Job Location: New York City, NY.

We are impressed with this large firm's New York practice which includes the traditional practice areas of a standard full service firm, but also includes a significant international practice which adds a certain glamour and excitement to the daily grind. Partners and associates alike are accessible here, although the foreign headquarters may mean that partnership is not. Project finance work is hot in these lovely New York offices, which remain bustling in the evening hours.