Senior Employment Counsel

Accountabilities

Provide employment law guidance: Advise on a broad range of US and international employment and labor law matters, delivering practical recommendations that balance legal compliance, risk management, and business objectives.
Support employee relations: Counsel Human Resources and business leaders on employee performance management, workplace concerns, accommodations, disciplinary actions, and employment terminations.
Advise on recruitment and employment practices: Provide legal guidance on recruiting processes, employment decisions, workplace policies, and procedures to promote consistent and compliant practices.
Manage employment documentation: Draft, review, and update employment agreements, policies, templates, and other legal documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable laws.
Oversee internal investigations: Advise on and manage workplace investigations, helping assess allegations, determine appropriate next steps, and recommend actions based on legal requirements and organizational considerations.
Manage employment claims and disputes: Handle employment-related demand letters, administrative complaints, audits, and other claims, developing appropriate response strategies and minimizing legal exposure.
Coordinate employment litigation: Work with internal stakeholders and external counsel to manage employment litigation matters, monitor case developments, and support effective resolution strategies.
Partner with HR and business leadership: Collaborate with internal teams to evaluate, develop, and implement employment policies, processes, and practices that support organizational goals and regulatory compliance.
Support wage and hour compliance: Provide legal guidance on compensation practices, working hours, and related employment obligations to help identify and address potential compliance risks.
Contribute to global employment initiatives: Support international employment matters and immigration-related initiatives, coordinating with relevant stakeholders and legal advisers as needed.
Translate legal complexity into business guidance: Communicate legal risks, regulatory requirements, and recommended actions in clear, actionable language tailored to business stakeholders.
Manage competing priorities: Independently handle multiple legal matters, assess urgency and risk, and deliver timely, well-reasoned advice in a dynamic and evolving environment.
Requirements
Legal education and licensure: Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active membership in good standing with at least one US state bar. Admission to the Colorado or California bar is preferred.
Professional experience: At least 3 years of experience practicing US employment law at a nationally recognized law firm, in an in-house legal department, or a combination of both.
In-house legal experience: Prior experience working in an in-house legal environment is strongly preferred, particularly in a role requiring close collaboration with HR and business leadership.
Broad employment law expertise: Strong working knowledge of employee relations, employment compliance, workplace investigations, performance management, accommodations, wage and hour requirements, and termination-related matters.
Employment litigation and claims management: Experience advising on or managing employment-related disputes, demand letters, administrative complaints, investigations, audits, and litigation.
Policy and contract drafting: Demonstrated ability to draft, review, and revise employment agreements, internal policies, legal templates, and related documentation.
Regulatory and risk assessment skills: The ability to interpret employment laws and regulations, identify legal exposure, and develop practical strategies to address compliance challenges.
Business-oriented legal judgment: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance legal risk, operational priorities, and commercial considerations when advising stakeholders.
Communication and stakeholder management: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, practical terms to non-legal audiences.
Collaboration and relationship building: The ability to build trusted relationships with HR professionals, executives, business teams, and external counsel while maintaining appropriate legal independence.
Organization and prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy and responsiveness under pressure.
Autonomy and adaptability: A proactive, self-directed working style, with the judgment and flexibility to operate effectively in a fast-paced, changing business environment.
Confidentiality and professionalism: Strong discretion and ethical judgment when handling sensitive employee information, investigations, and legally privileged matters.
Benefits
Remote work: Fully remote position within the United States.
Contractor engagement: Opportunity to contribute legal expertise through a contract-based role.
Competitive professional opportunity: A senior legal position offering exposure to complex domestic and international employment matters.
Strategic business impact: The opportunity to advise business leaders and influence employment policies, compliance practices, and organizational risk management.
Cross-functional collaboration: Direct partnership with Human Resources, leadership, internal stakeholders, and external legal counsel.
Professional development: Exposure to evolving employment law issues, global workforce considerations, and complex legal challenges in a dynamic business environment.
Inclusive workplace culture: A commitment to equal employment opportunity, diversity, and reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process.