Associate General Counsel - Employment & Compliance

Ready to build your future? We're Groundworks, North America's leading foundation repair and water management specialist. We're more than a company - we're a team driven by purpose. As a Top Workplace, we're looking for top talent to fuel our mission: to protect, repair, and improve our customers’ greatest asset – their home.But what makes us a great place to work? Here, you'll find real career growth, comprehensive and affordable benefits, a culture that values hard work and innovation, and company ownership equity. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for your next big move, we offer hands-on training, advancement opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact every day.Join us and lay the foundation for your success. Apply today!Job PurposeThe Employment & Compliance Attorney is responsible for managing employment-related legal matters and driving compliance across a national, decentralized home services platform. This role partners closely with HR, operations, and leadership to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws while building scalable compliance programs that reduce risk and support growth. The ideal candidate combines strong employment law expertise with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.Duties and Responsibilities1. Employment Law CounselingProvide day-to-day legal advice to HR and business leaders on:Hiring, discipline, and termination decisionsWage & hour compliance (FLSA, state laws)Leave and accommodation issues (FMLA, ADA, PWFA, state equivalents)Employee classification (exempt/non-exempt, independent contractor)Advise on reductions in force, restructurings, and organizational changesReview and draft employment-related agreements (offer letters, restrictive covenants, separation agreements)2. Employment Claims & InvestigationsManage pre-litigation employment claims, including:EEOC and state agency chargesDemand letters and internal complaintsOversee and conduct internal investigations (harassment, discrimination, retaliation, ethics concerns)Manage litigation employment claimsDevelop consistent investigation protocols and documentation standards3. Compliance Program DevelopmentAssist with the building and maintenance of a scalable, multi-state employment compliance programMonitor and interpret evolving federal, state, and local employment lawsTranslate legal requirements into clear, operational policies and proceduresSupport audits and proactive compliance reviews (wage & hour, I-9, background checks, etc.)4. Policy Development & TrainingAssist with the drafting, updating, and implementation of employment policies and employee handbook(s)Ensure policies are compliant across all jurisdictions, with state-specific addenda as neededDevelop and deliver training for managers and HR on:Anti-harassment and discriminationWage & hour complianceProper documentation and discipline practicesPromote consistency across branch locations5. HR & Operations PartnershipServe as a trusted advisor to HR leadership and field operationsSupport development of performance management and disciplinary frameworksCollaborate on employee engagement initiatives that reduce legal riskProvide practical, business-oriented solutions that align legal compliance with operational needs6. Regulatory & Corporate ComplianceSupport broader compliance initiatives, including:Consumer protection overlap (as it relates to employees’ conduct)Workforce-related regulatory requirementsAssist with compliance reporting and documentationCoordinate with internal audit or compliance functions as applicable7. Risk Management & ReportingIdentify trends in employment claims and recommend preventative actionsTrack key metrics (claims, investigations, resolution timelines)Report regularly to the General Counsel and HR leadership on risk areas and mitigation strategiesIt is an essential function of this role to regularly and reliably report to work each working day.Other duties as assigned.QualificationsRequiredJ.D. from an accredited law schoolActive bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction5–10+ years of employment law experience (law firm and/or in-house)Strong working knowledge of:Federal employment laws (FLSA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, etc.)Multi-state employment complianceExperience conducting workplace investigationsPreferredIn-house experience at a multi-state or decentralized organizationExperience in home services, construction, or similarly labor-intensive industriesFamiliarity with:High-volume workforce environments (hourly, field-based employees)Background check and drug testing lawsWorking ConditionsThis position is based in the Groundworks corporate office in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is performed primarily in a professional office environment during standard business hours. The role requires regular use of computers and data systems to conduct analysis, prepare reports, and communicate with internal stakeholders.The anticipated salary range is the expected hiring range for this role is $177,000-$245,000. Final compensation will be based on an evaluation of each candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, demonstrated capabilities, and work location.Physical Requirements The role requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation. The employee must frequently use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment. The position also requires the ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats with colleagues and leadership.What We ProvideCompetitive PayEmployee Company Ownership OpportunitiesIndustry Leading Training ProgramsLeadership Development and Career Growth TracksComprehensive and Affordable Benefits PackageTop Workplace with Award Winning CultureSummaryLocation: Virginia Beach, VA (Corporate)Type: Full time