Description:

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Labor and Employment Attorney with expertise in employee benefits to join our dynamic legal team. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal counsel on labor and employment matters, including but not limited to workplace policies, compliance with labor laws, employee relations, and employee benefits. This position requires a thorough understanding of federal and state labor regulations, as well as a deep knowledge of employee benefits laws, including deferred compensation negotiations, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, and other relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:
Labor and Employment Law

Advise clients on all aspects of labor and employment law, including wage and hour laws, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and employee relations issues.
Assist in the development, implementation, and review of company policies and procedures to ensure clients' compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
Represent clients in employment-related disputes, including responding to claims before governmental agencies such as the EEOC, DOL, NLRB, and other regulatory bodies.
Provide counsel on collective bargaining, union relations, and labor contract interpretation.

Employee Benefits:

Provide clients expert legal guidance on employee benefits matters, including but not limited to retirement plans (ERISA), health and welfare plans, deferred compensation plans, compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, FMLA, and other related benefit programs.
Advise clients on issues related to employee wellness programs, disability benefits, paid leave, and other benefit entitlements.
Work closely clients' HR and Benefits departments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating benefit plan documents and other agreements.
Manage and provide legal support for clients' internal audits or investigations related to employee benefits programs.

Legal Compliance and Risk Management

Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting labor, employment, and benefits law and advise clients on necessary adjustments to policies and practices.
Provide proactive legal strategies to mitigate risks related to labor, employment, and benefits issues.
Draft and review employment agreements, non-compete clauses, severance agreements, and other employment-related contracts.
Represent the company in disputes, investigations, or litigation related to employment law or benefits issues.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Collaborate with clients' HR, finance, and other departments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.
Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions involving employee benefit plans or labor-related concerns.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the bar in Texas.
Minimum of 6 years of experience in labor and employment law, with a significant focus on employee benefits law (ERISA, FMLA, ACA, etc.).
Strong understanding of state and federal employment laws and regulations.
Experience representing clients in litigation, negotiations, and settlements related to labor and employment disputes.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations related to employee benefits, including health, retirement, and welfare plans.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
Experience working with corporate executives and senior leadership on strategic legal matters.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with executive compensation plans and nonqualified deferred compensation.
Familiarity with international labor and employment laws.
Previous in-house counsel experience at a corporation or large organization is a plus.