Job Information
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Employment Lawyer in New York, New York
Location: Dallas, Houston, New York or Washington, DC
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
FLSA: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking an Employment Layer in the Office of the General Counsel.
The role can reside in the Dallas, Houston, New York or Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and in coordination with the Human Resources and Legal Personnel departments and outside counsel as necessary, the Employment Lawyer is responsible for providing strategic legal advice to the firm regarding employment risks and remedies, and all aspects of the employment life cycle and employment matters in the United States jurisdictions in which the firm operates. The Employment Lawyer is expected to serve as a positive role model, and to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors and staff, efficient and effective departmental operations, and an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities of this position include:
As a member of the General Counsel team, support from an employment law perspective the firm’s people and talent management strategies in support of its global business objectives, guiding core values, inclusive and agile work culture, and industry reputation as an employer of choice.
Provide legal advice, guidance and support on a full range of employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, personnel performance and behavior, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation and harassment.
Provide legal advice, guidance, and support on employment-related legal documents, such as template and custom employment contracts; separation agreements, employment agency contracts and agreements; and benefits and insurance contracts.
In consultation with outside counsel as necessary, regularly review and ensure employment-related firm policies, procedures, contracts, and other documents comply with local laws and regulations, and manage employment-related risks.
In coordination and collaboration with the Human Resources and Legal Personnel departments, support investigations of employment-related claims by developing investigation plans, drafting interview outlines, reviewing relevant files, summarizing evidence interviewing witnesses as needed, and writing investigation reports.
Advise the Human Resources and Legal Personnel departments on the development of performance improvement plans (PIPs) that comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Lead or participate in disciplinary and employment termination meetings.
Manage outside counsel’s representation of the firm and its employees in employment disputes, litigation, and arbitration.
Advise on and oversee employment law related compliance matters and responses to audits and legal information requests by regulatory authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In coordination with the Human Resources department and external counsel and consultants, provide consultative advice and guidance on cross-border employment matters, such as immigration, mobility, and expatriation procedures and compliance.
Support the onboarding of external consultants and contractors hired by the firm, including to oversee periodic reviews of the terms and conditions of their engagements, ensuring compliance with employment law, data protection, and confidentiality obligations.
Provide legal advice and guidance on whistleblowing activities, and health and safety issues.
Understand and remain up-to-date on the employment regulatory frameworks the firm operates in globally and nationally within the U.S., particularly for developments in Washington, D.C., New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and California, and recommend legal strategies to minimize risk and ensure compliance.
Recommend, design and deliver training and updates to the firm's management and employees.
In consultation with the Human Resources department, engage, evaluate, and manage external employment counsel in United States jurisdictions where the firm operates, serving as the primary point of contact.
Support the Office of General Counsel, the Human Resources department and other firm departments in other legal matters as requested, such as corporate governance, risk management, and ethics.
Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):
Law degree required
Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably in a large law firm and in-house legal department
Admitted to practice law in a U.S. state where the firm has an office
Knowledge of and experience with U.S. federal and state employment law, preferably in New York, the District of Columbia, or Texas, including working knowledge of various employment laws, including the ADA, FMLA, Title VII and FLSA
Ability to provide clear, succinct, confident and commercial advice, written and verbal, on complex issues
Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with unfailing attention to detail and accuracy
Demonstrated high level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and pragmatic approach to problem-solving
Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Working knowledge of data collection procedures and data analysis techniques
Ability to work effectively with all levels of personnel with tact and diplomacy to resolve conflict and complex issues, including the delivery of difficult messages as required
Excellent judgment, discretion, and common sense
Strong research skills, including via print resources, internet, databases and other sources
Ability to work well under pressure, facilitate solutions, and meet deadlines and milestones
Ability to establish and build credibility as a knowledgeable and trusted legal advisor and function as a strong role model within the firm
Demonstrated meticulous record-keeping
Ability to work extended hours as necessary to fulfil time sensitive responsibilities and collaborate with colleagues in other jurisdictions
Commitment to the Firm Core Values
Commitment to continuous personal professional growth and development, including to embrace change to achieve firm and department objectives
Availability to travel as necessary
The base salary range for this position in New York and Washington, DC is $200,000 to $275,000. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here (https://www.akingump.com/en/careers/business-services) .
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP participates in E-Verify for purposes of verifying employment eligibility
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