Corporate Counsel - Employment

Costco Wholesale seeks an experienced employment attorney to join the legal team at its headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. Costco is one of the world’s top retailers, with over 223,000 U.S. employees and over 341,000 employees globally. This role will be responsible for providing day-to-day advice and support to Costco’s U.S. operations, human resources and other business units. The scope will include employee terminations, performance management, investigations, leaves of absence, accommodations, wage/hour and compliance, labor relations, and other employment-related matters. The attorney will also supervise outside counsel on U.S. litigation matters. This position will report to senior labor and employment counsel.

Individuals who thrive at Costco are self-starters who drive results through collaboration, critical thinking, willingness to grow in their career, pragmatism, and strong communication skills. This position is in-office (not remote work).

Responsibilities:

●    Review and advise operations, HR, and other business units on developments in federal, state and local employment legislation, regulation, and enforcement.

●    Assist with the development and implementation of the legal strategy, vision, and goals as they align with and support compliance initiatives.

●    Drive compliance efforts related to personnel and payroll policies and procedures.

●    Serve as the primary point of contact on lawsuits and other claims, manage outside counsel, and collaborate with business.

●    Assist outside counsel with document collection, discovery responses, preparation of witnesses, legal briefs, and motions.

●    Supervise internal investigations.

●    Prepare and deliver training and presentations to employees, management, and executives.

●    Suggest process improvements and implement communication plans to team and internal stakeholders.

●    Monitor, manage, and review work and expenditures by outside counsel to ensure quality, value, and efficacy of legal services.

Qualifications:

●    Bachelor’s degree and J.D. degree from an accredited law school required.

●    Admission in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. state, and eligible to practice as in-house counsel in the State of Washington.

●    This individual will have at least five years of law firm and/or in-house experience as a litigator defending labor and employment claims; experience with retail clients and wage and hour class actions desired but not required.

●    Thorough understanding of and experience in all areas of employment law, including leave and accommodation, discrimination, wage and hour / pay equity, and contingent workforce matters.

●    Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while providing practical, business-oriented advice.

●    Exceptional written and oral communication skills for interacting with lawyers and non-lawyers.

●    Demonstrated ability to independently manage a diverse and complex workload while maintaining priorities and anticipating issues.

●    Strong execution and project management skills and ability to align stakeholders from across the organization on cross-functional projects.

●    Ability to travel.

Salary and Benefits: The annual base salary range for this position is $145,000 to 165,000, depending upon years of legal experience. In addition to annual base salary, the total compensation package includes an annual grant of restricted stock units ("RSUs") and an annual bonus (based on company and individual performance). The combined value of the bonus and the RSUs is expected to exceed the base salary if the RSUs vest at a share price at or above the grant price. Attorneys are also eligible to participate in the executive deferred compensation plan with a matching contribution from Costco, and receive other executive benefits. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits (medical, dental, vision, hearing aid, pharmacy, behavioral health, employee assistance), health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, commuter benefits, short-term and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, and 401(k).

At Costco we are committed to doing the right thing. That means fostering a culture of inclusiveness, collaboration and ethical decision making. You will have the opportunity to work on complex legal issues while growing as a leader. You will also build a long-lasting career in a renowned culture where the company is committed to taking care of its employees, members and suppliers. You will be empowered to independently drive results within your areas of responsibility, and you will feel good about what you are helping to build. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume through LinkedIn.

Costco Wholesale is an equal-opportunity employer and strives to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are also committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.