Corporate Counsel, Employment

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.

This position is required to be based in San Francisco, CA.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities 

• Legal Compliance: Advise on employment laws applicable to Denali’s California, Utah, and Switzerland offices and remote employees, including wage and hour regulations, anti-discrimination laws, and leave policies.

• Policy Development: Draft, review, and update employee handbooks, workplace policies, and SOPs to ensure compliance and alignment with Denali culture.

• Employee Relations: Partner with HR to provide guidance on complex employee relations issues, investigations, and performance management.

• Litigation and Risk Management: Manage and oversee the resolution of employment-related disputes and coordinate responses to agencies. 

• Hiring and Onboarding: Support the development of compliant hiring practices, offer letters, and onboarding materials.

• Training: Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on employment law topics, including performance feedback, leave policies, and workplace conduct.

• Immigration Oversight: Oversee and support immigration matters, manage relationships with immigration counsel, and ensure timely and efficient outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate with teams on employment-related aspects of business strategies, including international expansion and benefits. Support the establishment of a strong, integrated culture across sites.

Skills/Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.

• Active California bar membership in good standing.

• 7+ years of relevant work experience.

• Expertise in U.S. federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations required; familiarity with Swiss employment law preferred.

• Proven experience advising on employee relations, policy development, and compliance.

• Experience in the biotech, life sciences, or technology sectors preferred.

• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, the ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy, and a deep, abiding sense of compassion and integrity.

• Growth mindset, with a willingness to learn new things, expand outside boundaries, and broaden areas of expertise. No task is too big or too small.

• Ability to thrive efficiently in a fast-paced environment, managing a heavy workload at times and adapting quickly to change.

• Excellent judgment, complemented by an awareness of when to seek guidance and collaboration.

• Willingness to courageously and clearly identify risks and seek solutions.

• A proven record of building trust and credibility through consistent and reliable partnerships with business functions.

This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
 

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.