Employment Lawyer

Job Overview

A law firm is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Employment Lawyer to join their General Counsel team. This role will provide comprehensive legal support on employment-related matters to align with the firm's global business objectives, core values, and inclusive work culture. The Employment Lawyer will offer expert advice on a variety of employment issues, ensure compliance with legal standards, and support the firm's reputation as an employer of choice.

Duties

• Provide legal advice, guidance, and support on employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, payroll, benefits compliance, personnel performance, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
• Draft and review employment-related legal documents, such as employment contracts, separation agreements, employment agency agreements, and benefits contracts.
• Regularly review and ensure compliance of employment-related firm policies, procedures, and documents with local laws and regulations; manage employment-related risks.
• Support investigations of employment-related claims by developing investigation plans, drafting interview outlines, summarizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and writing investigation reports.
• Advise on the development of performance improvement plans (PIPs) that comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Lead or participate in disciplinary and termination meetings.
• Manage outside counsel’s representation in employment disputes, litigation, and arbitration.
• Oversee compliance matters and responses to audits and legal information requests from regulatory authorities such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.
• Provide consultative advice on cross-border employment matters, including immigration, mobility, and expatriation procedures.
• Oversee the onboarding of external consultants and contractors, ensuring compliance with employment law, data protection, and confidentiality obligations.
• Guide whistleblowing activities and health and safety issues.
• Stay updated on employment regulatory frameworks globally and nationally, particularly in Washington, D.C., New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California.
• Recommend, design, and deliver training and updates to management and employees.
• Engage, evaluate, and manage external employment counsel in U.S. jurisdictions where the firm operates.
• Support the Office of General Counsel and other firm departments in legal matters such as corporate governance and risk management.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
• Admitted to practice law in Texas.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably in a large law firm and in-house legal department.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment law, particularly in New York, Washington, D.C., or Texas.
• Experience with employment laws such as ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and FLSA.
• Ability to provide clear, confident, and commercial legal advice on complex issues.

Skills

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver results promptly.
• Strong research skills using various resources and databases.
• Ability to work well with all levels of personnel and deliver difficult messages with tact and diplomacy.
• Commitment to the firm’s core values and continuous personal and professional development.

Location

• Dallas, TX

This AmLaw firm provides it's associates with excellent partners, high quality work, a transparent pay policy, and numerous pro bono opportunities. Attorneys get substantive experience early-on in their careers. Theres no billing requirement at this firm, and the work does not overwhelm the associates here. Vacations are very doable, and associates report they arent bothered during those precious days. The firm has a very collegial atmosphere. According to the associates, firm social life is available, but not expected.