Employment Lawyer

Job Overview: A law firm is seeking an experienced Employment Lawyer to join its General Counsel team. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal support on employment-related matters, guiding the firm’s people and talent management strategies in alignment with global business objectives. This role involves advising on a wide range of employment issues, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and supporting the firm’s inclusive and agile work culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and guidance on hiring, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, personnel performance, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
• Review and draft employment-related legal documents including contracts, separation agreements, and benefits agreements.
• Regularly review and ensure employment-related policies, procedures, and documents comply with local laws and manage related risks.
• Support investigations of employment-related claims, including developing plans, drafting outlines, summarizing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and writing reports.
• Advise on the development of performance improvement plans (PIPs) compliant with relevant laws.
• Lead or 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 such as immigration and expatriation procedures.
• Oversee onboarding and compliance of external consultants and contractors.
• Advise on whistleblowing activities and health and safety issues.
• Stay updated on global and national employment regulatory frameworks, particularly in Washington, D.C., New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California.
• Recommend, design, and deliver training to the firm’s management and employees.
• Engage, evaluate, and manage external employment counsel in relevant U.S. jurisdictions.
• Support other legal matters as requested, including corporate governance, risk management, and ethics.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
• Admitted to practice law in Washington, DC.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably in a large law firm and in-house legal department.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. federal and state employment law, with experience in New York, DC, or Texas.

Skills:

• Clear, succinct, confident, and commercial advice on complex issues.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a proactive 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 skills and ability to deliver difficult messages with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong research skills using various sources.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build credibility as a trusted legal advisor and role model within the firm.
• Meticulous record-keeping and commitment to continuous professional development.

Job Location: Washington, DC

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.