Labor and Employment Counsel

An established manufacturing organization is seeking a Labor and Employment Counsel to join its in‑house legal function. This role provides legal guidance across the business, with primary responsibility for labor and employment matters, while supporting a broad range of other legal needs.

The position works closely with business leaders, Human Resources, and operational teams to manage risk, ensure compliance, and deliver practical legal solutions aligned with business objectives.

Core Responsibilities

Labor & Employment Counsel

• Advise Human Resources and management on employment law matters such as workplace investigations, employee relations issues, discrimination and harassment claims, leave and accommodation requirements, and wage and hour compliance.
• Draft, revise, and interpret employment‑related policies and procedures; provide guidance on disciplinary actions and terminations.
• Support and participate in administrative proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations related to employment disputes.

Litigation (Federal & State)

• Support the management of employment‑related and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts, including legal research, discovery support, document review, and preparation of pleadings and filings.
• Monitor case deadlines, attend or assist with hearings, depositions, mediations, and arbitrations, and track settlement and resolution activities.
• Coordinate and oversee outside counsel to ensure effective legal strategy, cost control, and consistent communication.

Corporate Transactions

• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, including due diligence review, transaction documentation, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with post‑transaction integration efforts, including reviewing inherited liabilities, aligning employment practices, and supporting policy harmonization.

Compliance & Enterprise Risk

• Evaluate legal exposure related to workforce practices, operations, and internal policies, and recommend risk‑mitigation strategies.
• Develop, update, and maintain company policies and governance documents, including a multi‑state Code of Business Conduct.
• Advise internal teams on compliance obligations and emerging legal risks affecting business operations.

Workers' Compensation & Workplace Safety

• Partner with safety, HR, and operations teams to manage workers' compensation claims across multiple jurisdictions.
• Support responses to workplace safety investigations and regulatory inquiries, including matters involving state agencies and federal OSHA.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel, claims administrators, and adjusters to ensure consistent case handling and reportings

Qualifications & Experience

• Juris Doctor from an ABA‑accredited law school and active bar admission in good standing.
• 2-4 years of experience practicing labor and employment law, either in‑house or in a law firm setting.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business‑focused legal advice across multiple issue areas.
• Prior experience with commercial contracting and general corporate legal matters preferred.