Associate General Counsel - Labor & Employment

Job Summary

The Associate General Counsel – Labor & Employment will have litigation experience defending California wage and hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims as well as related compliance counseling. In addition, this role will provide strategic and practical legal guidance on U.S. and global employment matters, in partnership with HR, Operations, and business leaders to promote lawful and ethical workplace conduct; manage investigations and employee disputes; oversee agency matters and employment litigation; and strengthen employment policies, training, and compliance programs.

This position serves as a key advisor to HR and leadership teams in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and supports a diverse, global workforce. The role balances day-to-day counseling with the management of complex disputes and litigation and supports the continued development of the company’s employee conduct and employment compliance programs.

Job Responsibilities

• Actively litigate California wage and hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims.
• Manage outside counsel and legal spend for all labor & employment matters, including counseling and litigation.
• Provide day-to-day strategic advice and counsel to all business units on a broad range of labor and employment topics globally including recruiting, hiring, employee relations, discipline and termination, internal investigations, reductions-in-force, leaves of absence, disability accommodations, wage and hour compliance, employee benefits, compensation, union issues, and restrictive covenants.
• Lead all employment litigation and pre-litigation disputes, including case strategy, discovery support, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and risk reporting.
• Coordinate and manage outside counsel on employment-related matters to ensure high-quality, cost-effective representation, consistent positions, and timely communication.
• Advise and support HR on workforce reductions, reorganizations, and related communications, including risk assessment and compliance with applicable notice and severance requirements.
• Review, revise, and provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, templates, and forms to align with evolving legal requirements and business needs.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance the employee conduct and employment compliance program, including policies and procedures designed to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper employee conduct.
• Design and deliver training for a diverse global workforce on employment compliance, workplace conduct, and related topics.
• Respond to hotline reports and alleged policy violations; drive consistent triage, investigation, documentation, and remediation in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Identify potential employment compliance vulnerabilities and risks; recommend and implement improvements, including audits and process enhancements.
  
  

Qualifications

Experience:

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 10 – 15 years of progressive labor and employment experience (law firm and/or in-house), with a substantial focus on California employment law compliance.
• Demonstrated experience litigating and managing California wage & hour, PAGA, and class action matters required.
• Strong counseling background across core employment topics (employee relations, investigations, leaves/accommodations, performance, separations, policies).
• Experience advising on global employment matters and partnering with regional counsel and HR teams (preferred).
• California bar admission strongly preferred.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of California labor and employment laws and practical implementation in a business setting.
• Sound judgment and ability to translate legal requirements into clear guidance for non-lawyers.
• Strong investigation, writing, and negotiation skills, including the preparation of position statements and agency submissions.
• Experience building or enhancing compliance programs, policies, and training for a diverse workforce.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, including through outside counsel, with strong prioritization and responsiveness.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical conduct and a respectful workplace.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily sedentary. Sits comfortably to do the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, or lifting item weighing up to 15 pounds.