Associate Counsel - Employment & Labor

Salary Range

$135,000.00/Yr. - $155,000.00/Yr.

Overview

Natural Grocers is seeking an experienced Associate Counsel –Employment & Labor to join our in-house legal team. This role will provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance on employment law, labor relations, and workforce management across our growing multi-state retail operations. You will partner closely with Human Resources and Operations leadership to support a compliant, values-driven workplace while proactively managing risk and advancing our Five Founding Principles.

Responsibilities

Advise HR, operations, and leadership on day-to-day employment law and labor relations matters, including discipline, terminations, accommodations, and wage and hour issues.

1. Manage the Company’s response to EEOC charges, employment claims, and litigation, including facilitating internal investigations, preparation of position statements, and oversight of outside counsel.
2. Counsel the business on compliance with federal and state employment, anti-discrimination and wage and hour laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA).
3. Provide guidance to management on labor issues, compliance with the NLRA, union organizing campaigns, and labor matters before state agencies and the NLRB.
4. Develop and deliver training for HR and field leadership on employment and labor law compliance.
5. Draft and advise on employment policies, handbooks, and internal procedures.
6. Monitor legal developments and provide proactive, actionable guidance to the business.
7. Review and negotiate commercial contracts and provide general commercial legal support, as needed.
8. Partner with teams across the organization to promote practical, risk-balanced decision-making.
9. Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Qualifications

Must have J.D degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active state attorney registration. Minimum of five years of relevant law firm or in-house experience.

1. Highly organized and able to meet and beat deadlines while managing multiple competing priorities.
2. Extremely proficient at independently identifying and addressing important details .
3. Excellent analytical and research skills and the ability to independently arrive at well-reasoned recommendations.
4. Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to concisely convey complex legal concepts into plain English consistently in accordance with sound principles of grammar and usage.
5. Positive attitude and commitment to excellent customer service to support our stores.
6. Integrity and commitment to handling confidential matters with utmost discretion.
7. Highly proficient with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel , and excellent aptitude for learning and using new technologies designed to increase efficiency and eliminate duplicative efforts.
8. The ideal candidate will have direct experience (i) representing clients before in NLRB and EEOC matters, and (ii) defending employment litigation in state and federal court.

This job description is not an employment contract. It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities. The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice. Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to them by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

F = Frequent; 34-66% of time

C = Constant; 67-100% of time

Physical Requirements:

• Must have the ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must have the ability to occasionally push or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Must be able to constantly use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
• Must be able to constantly sit, use fine motor manipulations, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.
• Must be able to frequently grip, bend, twist, and turn.
• Must be able to occasionally walk, stand, squat, kneel, and reach above chest as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

• Must be able to work occasionally with cold, heat, sharp tools and equipment, noise, contact stress, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.