Assistant General Counsel - Employment

Assistant General Counsel – Employment

The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for employment legal issues and employment-related risk management matters within Fifth Third Bank. The role requires a hands‑on Employment Attorney experienced in California employment litigation, including PAGA claims, misclassification, and compliance with California labor laws. This senior attorney provides legal advice and counseling on hiring, performance management, employee relations, terminations, leaves, accommodations, wage and hour, internal investigations, compensation, restrictive covenants, immigration matters, and other employment-related concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides legal guidance and counsel to specific departments, divisions, and line of businesses.
• Collaborates with representatives from various departments to develop or modify policies and procedures, performing necessary legal research.
• Offers daily counsel on a wide range of employment issues, including contingent worker matters, employee discipline and termination, restructuring, whistleblower laws, wrongful discharge claims, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, WARN, OSHA, OFCCP regulations, and related state labor and employment laws.
• Represents the Bank before federal and state agencies, prepares position statements, appears at hearings, and participates in alternative dispute resolution.
• Provides day‑to‑day advice to all business units and Human Resources regarding employment relationships, including background checks, compensation, and benefits with a focus on California laws.
• Manages litigation and coordinates with other in‑house counsel on case assignment, outside counsel liaison, and litigation list status updates.
• Monitors evolving employment legislation to ensure Bank policies remain compliant and provides timely legal advice.
• Oversees preparation, filing, and tracking of legal documents and proceedings.
• Investigates or assists in investigations of complaints or allegations against the Bank.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Hands‑on experience with California employment litigation, including PAGA claims, misclassification, and compliance with California labor laws.
• Serves as a legal resource for the Employee Relations Department and Human Capital Partners.
• Coordinates and drives completion of employment‑related projects, such as internal process reviews, policy rollouts, implementations, and training.
• Supervises outside counsel in managing employment litigation and disputes.
• Understands and has experience with employment and leave laws in Canada, Mexico, the EU, and other countries.
• Develops a thorough understanding of the Bank’s business and culture, identifying trends and anticipating issues to provide practical, business‑oriented solutions and long‑term strategies.
• Minimizes legal exposure through proactive review of existing policies and practices and recommends new or revised ones.
• Drafts employment agreements, severance agreements, and other employment‑related agreements.
• Provides expert advice and counsel to internal partners on compliance with existing employment laws and new legislation.
• Proactively advises on employment issues and works on legal projects to improve business policies and processes.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of law‑firm or significant in‑house counsel experience preferred.
• J.D. required and membership in good standing with at least one U.S. State Bar.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership skills and willingness to collaborate, share knowledge, respond quickly to urgent matters, and execute proactively.
• Ability to multitask, be highly organized, and thrive in a deadline‑centric environment.
• Problem‑resolution and analytical skills with the ability to interact well with all organizational levels.
• Previous leadership experience preferred or equivalent mentorship/management of project work.
• Exposure to senior professionals and executive presence required.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $121,900.00 – $262,100.00 USD per annum. Salaries within the range vary based on role, skill set, experience, education, and geographic location. Eligible for an incentive compensation plan based on company, line of business, and/or individual performance. Benefits include comprehensive physical, financial, emotional, and social wellness programs. For more information, visit our benefits page.

Location

San Francisco, California 94111

Agency Notice

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: unsolicited resumes are not accepted. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fees.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.