Executive Principal, Associate General Counsel (Employment)

The Options Clearing Corporation is seeking an experienced in-house employment attorney to join our team in Chicago. Hybrid work environment (Tuesday and Wednesday one other day in office), located close to all transportation in the Loop.

The Executive Principal, Associate General Counsel – Employment provides legal advice on routine and complex business matters to internal clients and assists in managing legal risks faced by the Corporation relating to employment matters. This role leads the employment law practice area, serving as the primary legal advisor to the Human Resources Department, and manages matters with a significant degree of independence.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

• Lead the practice area responsible for providing legal services to the Human Resources Department (“HR”) and provide guidance on a variety of employment matters, including talent acquisition, the performance management process, disciplinary matters and terminations, pay and compensation matters, workforce planning initiatives, and policies and procedures.
• Act as subject matter expert for the Legal department by providing specialized legal advice to internal clients on a variety of matters, with emphasis on the areas of employment and the contingent worker process.
• Draft and advise on various employment-related agreements, including executive employment agreements, protective covenants, separation agreements, and retention agreements.
• Conduct investigations into employee concerns, advise on the investigation process, and work with HR to recommend appropriate disciplinary actions.
• Manage employment-related potential/threatened litigation.
• Monitor proposed legislation and Executive Orders and ensure the Corporation is apprised of legal developments concerning employment matters.
• Advise and support the attorneys responsible for providing legal advice in the areas of employee benefits and immigration.
• Provide specialized advice on Corporation initiatives and projects.
• Advise internal clients on compliance with respect to applicable laws affecting HR.
• Review, draft, and provide advice regarding policies, procedures, memoranda, and business communications relative to employment and HR matters on an as-needed basis.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel, including budgeting and fees, with respect to employment-related matters.
• Support regulatory examinations of the Corporation with respect to the Legal and HR functions.
• Manage medium to high complexity matters with a significant degree of independence.
• Perform other duties as required.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None
  
  

Qualifications

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical legal counsel to HR and business clients on complex employment matters.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently with sound judgment and attention to detail.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
  
  

Education And/or Experience

• Juris doctorate or equivalent degree from a U.S. accredited law school.
• At least 12 years of related experience at a law firm, in-house, or at a regulatory agency.
• Degree from an accredited college or university.
  
  

Certificates Or Licenses

• Active state bar membership in Illinois required