Labor and Employment Counsel (Dallas, TX ) - Austin Industries

Austin Industries is one of the nation’s largest, most diversified U.S.-based construction companies. With more than 7,000 employee-owners, Austin Industries provides nearly every type of civil, commercial and industrial construction services through the expertise of our operating companies: Austin Bridge & Road, Austin Commercial and Austin Industrial.

Austin Industries has an outstanding opportunity for a Labor and Employment Counsel at our corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas. The Labor & Employment Counsel will provide legal assistance and support pertaining to labor and employment law matters for Austin Industries and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Austin entities”). This position reports to the Austin Industries Head Labor & Employment Counsel.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and counsel to executive leadership, management, Human Resources personnel, and other stakeholders across the organization on employee-relations issues, immigration matters (including I-9 compliance), and various aspects of labor and employment law, including hiring, disciplining, and terminating employees, complex leave and reasonable accommodation issues, wage and hour issues, and compliance with federal, state and local labor and employment laws (e.g., Title VII, Section 1981, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, OSHA, NLRA, OWBPA, and WARN). 
• Assist with internal investigations and audits pertaining to labor and employment-related matters.
• Represent and assist Austin entities in connection with labor and employment-related investigations, audits, charges, complaints, and claims before state and federal agencies (e.g., EEOC charges, OSHA whistleblower retaliation complaints, wage claims, etc.).
• Represent and assist Austin entities in pre-litigation disputes involving labor and employment-related claims/complaints.
• Manage and oversee labor and employment-related litigation.
• Analyze, draft, review, revise, and/or negotiate employment-related contracts and documents, including, without limitation, employment applications, employee handbooks, workplace polices, offer letters, independent contractor agreements, confidentiality agreements, and severance and release agreements. 
• Assist with the development and/or selection of labor and employment-related compliance training. 
• Conduct training on relevant topics for personnel in Human Resources, Safety, and management.
• Perform legal due diligence, record searches, and legal research.
• Work proactively in conjunction with various departments to identify and address legal and business issues.
• Manage costs while directing outside counsel on legal matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is preferred but not required
• Strong academic credentials and law firm experience (minimum of 3 years preferred but not required)
• Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to meet the high expectations of a demanding work environment while maintaining independence and objectivity
• Ability to think strategically, in partnership with senior leadership across the organization
• Ability to work autonomously, efficiently, and proactively on multiple projects under tight deadlines while maintaining a commitment to quality
• Sharp, resourceful, dedicated individual with strong work ethic
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to relate to a diverse workforce
• The desire to constantly grow and learn
• Construction industry and/or industrial industry experience preferred.

Requirements:

• JD and at least 5 years of substantial experience practicing labor and employment law (applicant must have devoted at least 75% of applicant’s time practicing labor and employment law during each year)
• Must be a licensed Texas attorney eligible to practice law in Texas
• No public disciplinary history with the State Bar of Texas or any other State Bar
• Valid driver’s license
• Occasional day and overnight travel will be required for this role when needed
• Must have specialized knowledge of state and federal labor and employment laws
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. Austin Industries is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

Benefits & Compensation

We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and a matching 401K plan. We are proud to be a 100% Employee-Owned Company (ESOP)! To learn more about our employee-ownership structure, please go to https://www.austin-ind.com/our-company/100-employee-owned.

Austin Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

See the “Know Your Rights” poster available in English and Spanish.

About Austin Industries

Austin Industries and its operating companies engage in almost every type of civil, commercial and industrial construction. Austin is owned entirely by its employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Austin Industries has a rich history. We are one of the largest and most diversified construction firms in the nation. Austin stands on the core values of Uncompromising Integrity, Employee-ownership, Exemplary Service and Excellence in Safety.

To learn more about our history, culture and operations, visit us at www.austin-ind.com.

No Third-Party Inquiries Please

This Company does not accept and will not consider unsolicited resumes or any other unsolicited candidate information submitted to the Company or any of its employee-owners by staffing agencies, search firms, or third-party recruiters in response to a posted vacancy. The Company will not pay any placement fee(s) without a written agreement to do so (i.e., payment must be required pursuant to the terms of a written agreement). 

Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted to this Company or any of its employee-owners becomes the property of the Company. 

Accessibility Note

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs or have accessibility concerns, please contact the People Services Team at (877) 831-1217.