Employment Associate General Counsel

Job Overview:

A highly respected law firm is seeking an experienced Associate General Counsel – Employment to provide risk-based counseling and guidance on global employment law matters. The role involves serving as a key partner with internal stakeholders across the firm, including business leaders, the Talent Department, and the Human Resources Department. The Associate General Counsel will be responsible for handling multi-jurisdictional issues related to employment, including recruiting, hiring, benefits, performance management, and employee relations.

Location: 

Los Angeles, CA

Duties:

• Act as a key resource for business leaders and HR professionals regarding multi-jurisdictional issues related to recruiting, hiring, benefits, compensation, performance management, discipline, and termination.

• Provide legal support for developing global workplace policies and processes related to compensation, benefits, conduct, discipline, and performance management.

• Draft various employment-related agreements, including offer letters, employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, partnership agreements, and other related documents across different jurisdictions.

• Offer counsel on global workplace grievances, pre-litigation claims, and litigation, including investigations, risk assessment, issue resolution, and proactive prevention.

• Select and manage external legal counsel within budgetary constraints to achieve desired outcomes.

• Collaborate with professionals across the firm to leverage their expertise when necessary.

• Design and implement process improvements that align with the firm’s strategy, taking into account metrics, market factors, and best practices.

• Stay up to date on relevant legal issues through continuing legal education and active membership in professional associations.

Requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited institution.

• Admission to the state bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• Minimum of 10 years of legal practice experience in employment counseling and litigation, preferably in a law firm or in-house environment. In-house experience at a multi-national law firm or corporation is a plus.

• Extensive experience with U.S. employment laws and regulations, as well as related claims and litigation.

• Familiarity with international jurisdictions and employment law matters is advantageous.

• Proven experience in conducting and supervising internal investigations, including managing electronic discovery.

• Solid background in drafting workplace-related agreements and policies.

• Experience in managing litigation, including overseeing external counsel.

• Strong leadership and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex legal issues.

• Excellent project management, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize multiple projects.

• Ability to build relationships and drive consensus on legal matters across departments.

• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adjust to changing priorities in a collaborative team environment.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Admission to a state bar in at least one jurisdiction.

Skills:

• Expertise in U.S. employment law and related regulations.

• Strong leadership and managerial skills.

• Proficient in drafting complex legal documents, including employment agreements and policies.

• High-level problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities.

• Ability to handle multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.

• Effective negotiation, influencing, and networking skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across diverse teams.

Benefits:

• Competitive total compensation package with merit-based bonuses and raises.

• Comprehensive health and wellness plans, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings account.

• 401(k) plan and profit-sharing options.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program.