Senior Employment Counsel

We are seeking a highly skilled Employment Counsel to join our international legal team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in labor and employment law, including global mobility, significant litigation, government investigations, and union/collective bargaining matters. Prior in-house counsel experience is strongly preferred, along with the ability to navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional employment issues in a fast-paced business environment. This role will be pivotal in advising on employment compliance, managing sensitive employee relations matters, and representing the company in high-stakes disputes. The candidate must be a strategic thinker, an effective communicator, and comfortable working directly with executives, HR, and operations teams. This is an excellent opportunity to join an expanding international legal team and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Key Responsibilities Provide day-to-day counsel on a full spectrum of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour compliance, discrimination/harassment prevention, workplace safety, leaves of absence, and employee discipline/termination. Provide legal guidance on international assignments, permanent transfers, short-term assignments, and remote working arrangements across multiple jurisdictions. Represent the company in litigation, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings before federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., NLRB, DOL, state labor boards). Manage and respond to government investigations, audits, and enforcement actions. Advise on union-related matters, including collective bargaining, grievance handling, and strategy for labor relations. Draft, review, and update employment agreements, workplace policies, and employee handbooks to ensure legal compliance and alignment with business objectives. Partner closely with HR, Ops team and cross-functional stakeholders locally and globally to develop proactive risk mitigation strategies. Monitor and interpret developments in federal, state, and local labor and employment laws, particularly in jurisdictions where the company operates. Support cross-border employment matters and coordinate with legal teams in other regions as needed. Qualifications & Skills A law degree from a prestige law school. Qualification to practice law in at least one state in the United States (NY or CA is preferred). At least 7-10 years of labor and employment law experiences with no less than 3 years in a top law firms, including litigation and government investigation defense. In-house counsel experience strongly preferred. Flexibility may be applied to this qualification for exceptionally qualified candidates. Union and collective bargaining experience required or highly preferred. Industry experience in food & beverage, retail or hospitality is a plus. Knowledge of corporate immigration, employment law, and tax implications related to mobility. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically, make sound, business-oriented legal judgments and provide practical legal solutions. Strong negotiation skills and experience handling sensitive, high-profile employment matters. Mandarin language proficiency strongly desired but not required. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex issues clearly to varied audiences. High level of professionalism and ethical standards. Strong team player and good business sense. Strategic thinker with integrity and spirit of entrepreneurship. Fast learner and adapter within a diverse culture and fast-moving and dynamic work environment. Embrace adventures and challenges. #J-18808-Ljbffr