Description:

The Role:
The candidate will report to the global head of employment law for An American Financial Services Firm. In this role, you will also work with two other global employment attorneys – one based in Romania and the other in India. The employment legal team is part of the broader An American Financial Services Firm legal function, which includes commercial, corporate, privacy, regulatory and litigation teams. As North America employment counsel, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and guidance on all employment-related matters within An American Financial Services Firm in North America (the U.S. and Canada). We are willing to offer training in Canadian law and applicable legal practices. You will work closely with the People & Culture team.

This will include advising on People & Culture initiatives, policies, employee relations matters, employment aspects of M&A transactions, handbooks, best practices in hiring, talent development etc. as they apply to North American jurisdictions. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, managing employee relations, and minimizing legal risks associated with employment issues. You will also contribute to key People & Culture initiatives and strategic objectives for the organization.

Responsibilities:

Provide legal advice and support to the organization on a broad range of employment law matters in North America, including but not limited to employment contracts, terminations, disciplinary actions, workplace investigations, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour compliance and employee benefits, and employment aspects of M&A transactions.
Develop and review employment policies, procedures and contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in North America.
Partner with external legal counsel, as needed, to seek specialized advice on complex legal matters.
Stay abreast of changes in employment laws and regulations in North America and advise the organization on potential impact and necessary actions.
Advise and assist People & Culture and management in handling employee relations matters, including performance management, grievances and disciplinary actions.

Qualifications:

Qualified/licensed lawyer in the U.S.
7-10 years of experience at a reputable law firm as an employment lawyer in good standing with the bar.
Willingness to learn Canadian employment law.
Some in-house experience as an employment lawyer preferred.
Demonstrated experience handling a wide range of employment law matters.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with ability to provide clear, concise and practical legal advice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to effectively interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage external counsel effectively and control legal fees.