Corporate Counsel, Labor and Employment

This job is located at: One South Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

PLS^® Overview: 

Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!^®  PLS — which stands for People – Location – Service — is a leading retail provider of financial services. The “P” comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it’s our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents. 

Position Overview: 

Our Corporate Counsel will play a critical role in the continued growth and success of PLS.  This position will manage our company’s litigation, advise on all employment-related matters, and be responsible for a broad range of other matters, topics and issues.  Our Corporate Counsel will work with all departments and areas of the business and will report to our Vice President & Associate General Counsel.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage and drive company strategy on all litigation and pre-litigation disputes that arise in connection with the company’s business, including issues with vendors, real estate disputes, customer allegations, and personal injury claims.
• Manage and drive company strategy on all employment related disputes and allegations, including agency charges, individual lawsuits, and class action matters.
• Advise the company on all employment-related matters, including employment policies, wage and hour practices, arbitration agreements, benefits programs, and individual employee complaints and disputes.
• Oversee company responses to information requests from regulators and law enforcement, including subpoenas
• Responsible for general legal work in all areas of the business, including check cashing, money orders, debit card products, insurance, collections, real estate, government regulation and others, as dictated by business needs.
• Support the development and implementation by the legal team of processes, procedures and metrics to increase the overall effectiveness of legal services provided to the company.

Job Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in Illinois
• 5-10 years of practical hands-on experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel
• Previous experience litigating employment and commercial matters and working with outside counsel
• Experience with California employment matters preferred
• Previous experience with a retail business or with consumer financial services preferred
• Must possess sound legal and business judgment
• Must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance

Benefits:

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS:

Communication ● Customer Focus ● Integrity and Trust ● Teamwork ● Results

PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at talentacquisition@pls247.com to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment