Employment Lawyer

Job Overview: A law firm is seeking an experienced Employment Lawyer to join their General Counsel team. This role is pivotal in supporting the firm's people and talent management strategies while aligning with global business objectives and maintaining a positive work culture. The Employment Lawyer will provide comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of employment-related issues, ensure compliance with relevant laws, manage employment-related risks, and support various internal departments in employment-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the firm’s people and talent management strategies from an employment law perspective.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on hiring, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, and other employment-related matters.
• Draft and review employment-related legal documents, including contracts, separation agreements, and benefits contracts.
• Review and ensure compliance of employment-related policies, procedures, and contracts with local laws and regulations.
• Support and conduct investigations into employment-related claims, including developing investigation plans, drafting outlines, and writing reports.
• Advise on the development of performance improvement plans (PIPs) and participate in disciplinary and termination meetings.
• Manage outside counsel in employment disputes, litigation, and arbitration.
• Oversee compliance matters and responses to audits and legal information requests from regulatory authorities.
• Provide consultative advice on cross-border employment matters, including immigration and expatriation procedures.
• Support the onboarding of external consultants and contractors, ensuring compliance with employment law, data protection, and confidentiality obligations.
• Advise on whistleblowing activities and health and safety issues.
• Stay up-to-date with global and U.S. employment regulatory frameworks, 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 as the primary contact.
• Support the Office of General Counsel, Human Resources, and other departments in various legal matters, including corporate governance and risk management.

Requirements:

• Law degree required.
• Admitted to practice law in Texas.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably in both a large law firm and in-house legal department.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment law, particularly in New York, the District of Columbia, and Texas.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear, confident, and commercial legal advice on complex issues.

Skills:

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a proactive and pragmatic approach.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of data collection and analysis techniques.
• Effective conflict resolution and delivery of difficult messages with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and common sense.
• Strong research skills across various resources.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Credibility as a knowledgeable and trusted legal advisor.
• Meticulous record-keeping and commitment to continuous professional growth.

Job Location:

• Houston, 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.