Employment Lawyer

Job Overview: A law firm is seeking an experienced Employment Lawyer to join its General Counsel team. This role involves providing comprehensive legal support on employment-related matters, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and contributing to the firm's people and talent management strategies. The Employment Lawyer will work closely with Human Resources, Legal Personnel, and outside counsel to manage employment disputes, support investigations, and oversee compliance with employment law across various jurisdictions.

Duties:

• Provide legal advice and support on a broad range of employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, personnel performance, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
• Draft and review employment-related legal documents, such as employment contracts, separation agreements, agency contracts, and benefits and insurance contracts.
• Collaborate with outside counsel to review and ensure compliance of firm policies, procedures, contracts, and documents with local laws and regulations, managing employment-related risks.
• Support investigations of employment-related claims, including developing investigation plans, drafting interview outlines, summarizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and writing investigation reports.
• Advise on and assist in the development of performance improvement plans (PIPs) that comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Lead or participate in disciplinary and termination meetings.
• Oversee outside counsel's representation in employment disputes, litigation, and arbitration.
• Advise on and manage compliance matters and responses to audits and legal information requests by regulatory authorities such as the EEOC, DOL, and OSHA.
• Provide consultative advice on cross-border employment matters, including immigration, mobility, and expatriation procedures and compliance.
• Support 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 informed on employment regulatory frameworks both nationally and globally, particularly in key jurisdictions, and recommend strategies to minimize risk and ensure compliance.
• Recommend, design, and deliver training and updates to management and employees.
• Engage, evaluate, and manage external employment counsel in various U.S. jurisdictions, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Assist the Office of General Counsel and other departments with legal matters such as corporate governance, risk management, and ethics.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
• Admission to practice law in New York.
• 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, including ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and FLSA.
• Proven 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.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a proactive, pragmatic approach.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis techniques.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, delivering difficult messages, and working effectively with all levels of personnel.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and common sense.
• Strong research skills using various resources.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Capacity to establish credibility as a trusted legal advisor and serve as a role model.
• Meticulous record-keeping and commitment to continuous professional growth and firm values.
• Willingness to work extended hours as necessary.

Job Location: New York City, NY

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.