Senior Counsel, Employment Law

GEICO is seeking an experienced employment lawyer to join its in-house Legal team. The Senior Counsel, Employment Law will partner cross-functionally across geographies and be primarily responsible for ensuring all Company policies, processes and procedures comply with applicable local, state and federal employment laws and regulations, as well as providing counsel and advice to key internal partners and stakeholders on avoiding and mitigating employment risk. This role will partner closely with human resources, finance, and other business teams, while forming part of a collaborative legal department that is valued for its practical advice. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of relevant substantive experience in a large in-house legal department, law firm, government, and/or in-house HR/Employee Relations role. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong judgment, experience advising clients on a wide range of employment compliance matters and risk mitigation strategies, and an eagerness to be involved in a dynamic company.

Qualifications

Primary Responsibilities:

· Manage and drive strategy for driving enterprise-side compliance with the letter and spirit of labor and employment law requirements, including in the areas wage and hour, safety and health, benefits, and labor relations

· Partner closely with internal stakeholders in HR and elsewhere on responding to and resolving internal escalations and issues affecting employees

· Provide counsel and advice on proactively preventing employment law risk

· Partner with Litigation and Investigations team as appropriate to manage and resolve external escalations

· Lead and/or support legal due diligence efforts associated with strategic business initiatives impacting the workforce

· Develop and deliver employment law compliance training to key partners and stakeholders

· Partner with HR on building best-in-class processes for ensuring proper and consistent application of Company policies, processes and procedures across the associate lifecycle

· Conduct research as needed to provide relevant advice.

· Proactively monitor legislation, regulations, and emerging trends in labor and employment law

· Counsel and advise GEICO leadership and other key internal stakeholders on internal claims and track and report on significant data trends, employment law risks, and process improvement opportunities.

Basic Qualifications:

· Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

· Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

· 8 years of relevant substantive experience in a large in-house legal department, law firm, government, and/or in-house HR/Employee Relations role.

· Experience working with cross-functional partners to drive scalable HR solutions to mitigate employment law risk.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.

· Ability to balance legal risk and business objectives and in managing multiple priorities, projects, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Strong knowledge and understanding of federal and state wage and hour, health and safety and/or labor relations law

· Experience managing government investigations/audits and/or internal investigations.

· Experience working with cross-functional teams, both legal and non-legal

· Prior Insurance industry experience a plus.

Hybrid in office three days a week.

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Annual Salary

The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.

Benefits:

As an Associate, you’ll enjoy our Total Rewards Program* to help secure your financial future and preserve your health and well-being, including:

• Premier Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with no waiting period**
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Parental Leave
• 401(k) Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Training and Licensures

*Benefits may be different by location.  Benefit eligibility requirements vary and may include length of service.

**Coverage begins on the date of hire. Must enroll in New Hire Benefits within 30 days of the date of hire for coverage to take effect.

The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.