Associate General Counsel – Employment, Benefits & Compliance

SUMMARY

Leads the Legal Department’s Employment, Benefits and Compliance practice group, including being responsible for the practice group’s successful resolution of issues and provision of legal and other services. Performs legal work on highly complex matters falling within that practice group’s area of responsibility. Acts as a trusted advisor to the company and provides critical legal and strategic advice on a wide range of complex issues involving the company’s employees and managers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the Employment, Benefits & Compliance practice group, which generally includes providing advice and counsel on the application of and compliance with benefits, employment and labor laws and related company policies; ensures that legal matters falling within that practice group's area of responsibility are effectively addressed.
• Manages labor, employment and benefits law and related litigation matters on a state and federal level, including matters related to FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act), NLRB (National Labor Relations Board), Title VII, FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Worker’s Compensation, etc. 
• Manages or participates in handling pending or threatened benefits, employment, labor litigation or disputes, including litigation strategy, drafting and submission of pleadings, discovery, oral arguments, settlement negotiations and other litigation activities.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with Human Resources and other departments to enhance corporate practices and minimize employment law risk. Recommends strategies, drafts supporting documents, and keeps case records as needed
• Assists in managing corporate compliance by drafting, implementing and managing legal compliance and human resources policies.
• Provides training and guidance to managers and employees on legal compliance and employment-related topics, such as harassment, discrimination and workplace conduct.
• Drafts, maintains and reviews U.S. and international templates and policies for employment matters (including employment agreements, contractor agreements, separation agreements and employee handbooks).
• Analyzes, advises and addresses highly complex issues falling within the Employment, Benefits and Compliance practice group's responsibility; resolves problems and provides expert information to internal clients; provides counsel to company leadership and employees on a broad range of issues that present varied and difficult problems of interpretation and analysis.
• Analyzes and reviews statutes, regulations, orders, case law and other precedents or rules; advises company leadership and employees on substance and impact on the company related to such issuances; counsels company leadership and employees on legal matters through verbal and written communications.
• Keeps apprised on evolving employment laws and regulations, and proactively advise the organization on the implications and necessary actions.
• Manages outside counsel and other vendors retained to assist in Legal Department matters. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law.
• Must be able to practice in state and federal courts.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with emphasis in employment and labor related laws and/or ERISA and employee benefit related matters.
• Knowledge of utility industry preferred.
• Experience in a leadership role, such as managing projects, processes, or a legal practice or practice area.
• Experience with cost-effective management of vendors and/or consultants.
• Ability to work independently in area of responsibility.
• Ability to effectively conduct research of legal precedent and other information related to performance of job duties.
• Possess sound analytical problem-solving, decision-making and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, at all levels inside and outside the company.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with conflicting priorities.
• Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Word and Outlook in performing job duties.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.