In-House Employment Counsel

5 months ago

Washington, United States Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Full time
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Overview of the Function

The Firm

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it matters most, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,800 lawyers around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams.

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

The Legal Department

This department, made up of both qualified lawyers and non-lawyers, exists to manage the firm’s risk exposure and to provide advice to the firm on a range of legal and compliance issues.

The role of the Legal Department is to support the firm in pursing the effective management of regulatory, employment, legal, operational, and information security risk so as to preserve and maximise the value of the firm over the long term. We do this by taking responsibility for a range of actions, by sharing in the performance of others and by assisting partners and staff to manage risk themselves through training, awareness raising and the provision of relevant intelligence, services and materials.

Our vision is for our department to be recognised as a leader amongst comparable, elite, law firms. That means being acknowledged internally as providing an excellent service in a commercial and empathetic manner. It means adequately meeting the needs of the firm while remaining agile and cost effective; constantly refining our techniques, objectives and ways of working to respond to changes in the business and the threats we face.

Role summary/purpose of job

The In-House Employment Counsel (US) plays a key role as a member of the firm’s global Legal Department, which manages the firm’s risk exposure and provides advice to the firm on a range of legal and compliance issues. The In-House Employment Counsel (US) will be responsible for advising the business on employment issues, both regulatory and legal, as well as managing the firm’s risk exposure on employment-related matters. The In-House Employment Counsel (US) will also support colleagues in other offices in advising on employment issues across the global network of the firm.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

As a member of the Legal Department, the In-House Employment Counsel (US) will have the following responsibilities:

Provide expert legal advice and counsel on full range of personnel matters, including hiring and terminations, leaves and accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, personnel performance and behavior, workplace complaints, discrimination, retaliation and harassment; Collaborate with HR department and provide high-level advice or support to HR colleagues to ensure compliance with employment laws as well as Firm policies; Draft and review employment contracts and other legal documents; Draft personnel agreements (e.g., severance, relocation, change in status, consultant, etc.) and maintain appropriate templates; Draft and update personnel policies as well as identify and implement best practices in light of current law and Firm initiatives; Conduct legal research and stay up-to-date with employment laws and regulations; Lead or assist with HR-related investigations; Liaise with outside counsel on employment-related litigation and disputes, when necessary; Understand the employment regulatory frameworks the firm operates in globally, particularly developments in New York, DC, California and the US nationally; Develop and implement legal strategies to minimize risk and ensure compliance; Develop and maintain close working relationship with all members of the Legal Department to ensure operation in a consistent and global manner; Train management and staff on various employment law matters.

Key requirements

Must hold a law degree and be admitted to practice law in the jurisdiction of their Freshfields home office; At least 4 years’ experience practicing employment law; Must be used to working to very high standards of accuracy and efficiency, but balanced with a practical, common sense approach;  Must be able to give clear and commercial advice succinctly (verbally and in writing) on complex issues;  Must have excellent drafting skills;  Must have a meticulous approach to maintaining concise, up-to-date and accurate records of matters dealt with and advice provided; Must be able to influence and liaise with all levels of both legal and support staff to resolve complex issues including delivering difficult messages on occasion; Must be able to manage a workload of key projects as well as day-to-day queries; Must have a high level of IT skills, including familiarity with applications such as Word, Outlook and Excel as well as web-based and general research skills; and Must be willing to work out of hours (including weekends) and travel as needed to serve the requirements of the global firm.

Essential

Strong analytical skills and ability to grasp relevant issues quickly and to understand complex risks (including conflicts and regulatory issues), within a commercial context; Combination of confidence, presence and a diplomatic manner; Reputation as a proactive problem solver, who applies pragmatic commercial thinking to every issue, and always strives to identify workable solutions that conform with the firm’s regulatory obligations, and are aligned with its business priorities; Fast thinker, quick learner who is able to work efficiently and assess options thoroughly; Excellent communicator who articulates advice confidently and succinctly; Demonstrates high level of confidentiality, integrity and professionalism; Positive can-do attitude, enthusiasm and the ability to perform; Team player who others respect and enjoy working with; Superb organizational skills complemented by the ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively; Commitment to continuous improvement in a personal and departmental context and willingness to recommend or embrace change to achieve the firm and department’s objectives; Ability to strategically identify new systems and procedures to improve the quality and efficiency of the department (e.g. new and creative solutions to common problems, suggesting policy updates or drafting FAQs); and Diplomatic and professional demeanor with an understanding of how to influence and operate across a global firm including the local, cultural, client, practice or market-specific nuances or considerations that inform the work of the Legal Department as a whole.

Desirable

At least 4 years’ experience working as a qualified lawyer within a global team at a leading international law firm; Experience advising multi-state employers; Working knowledge of various employment laws, including the ADA, FMLA, Title VII and FLSA; Working knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and data collection procedures; Conflict resolution skills and experience; and Admitted to practice in New York or more than one jurisdiction in which Freshfields has an office

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