Assistant General Counsel - Employment

Make banking a Fifth Third better® We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank.

Position not available for immigration sponsorship.

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for employment legal issues and employment-related risk management matters within the Bank. Seeking an Employment Attorney with hands-on experience with California employment litigation matters, including but not limited to PAGA claims, misclassification and compliance with California labor laws. As a member of the employment law team, the attorney will provide legal advice and counseling on employment related issues, including hiring, performance management, employee relations, terminations, leaves of absence and accommodations, wage and hour, internal investigations, compensation, restrictive covenants and immigration matters.

Responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. Accountable for always doing the right thing for customers and colleagues, and ensures that actions and behaviors drive a positive customer experience. While operating within the Bank's risk appetite, achieves results by consistently identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks of all types.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Hands-on experience with California employment litigation matters, including but not limited to 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, including internal process review, policy rollouts and implementation, and training.
• Supervises outside counsel in the management of employment litigation and employment related 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 to identify trends and anticipate issues to provide practical, business-oriented solutions and long‑term strategies.
• Minimizes legal exposure through proactive review of existing policies and practices and recommendation of new or revised ones.
• Drafts employment agreements, severance agreements and other employment‑related agreements.
• Provides expert advice and counsel to internal partners regarding compliance with existing employment laws and new legislation.
• Proactively provides advice and counsel on employment issues and work on legal projects to improve business policies and processes.
• Performs other related duties and activities as required.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Provides legal guidance and counsel to specific departments, divisions, line of businesses, etc.
• Works with representatives from various departments on developing /modifying policies and procedures where necessary. Performs all necessary legal research for area of responsibility.
• Provides daily counsel on a variety of employment issues, including, but not limited to contingent workers' issues, 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 including preparing position statements, appearing at hearings on behalf of the Bank and participating in alternative dispute resolution.
• Provides day‑to‑day advice and support to all business units and Human Resources concerning all aspects of the employment relationship, including background checks, compensation matters and benefits with particular focus on California laws and regulations.
• Manages litigation and works with other in‑house counsel to assign cases to appropriate outside counsel. Coordinates litigation list input and status updates. Acts as a liaison with outside law firms.
• Actively monitors employment related legislation to ensure Bank policies are compliant with the law and provides legal advice and counsel to internal partners on the same.
• Oversees preparation, filing and tracking of legal documents and proceedings.
• Investigates or assists in the investigation of complaints or allegations against the Bank.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a 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 and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership skills and willingness to collaborate, share knowledge, respond quickly to urgent matters and execute proactively.
• Ability to effectively multitask, be highly organized, and thrive in a deadline‑centric environment.
• Problem resolution and analytical skills and the ability to interact well with all organizational levels.
• Previous leadership experience preferred or equivalent mentorship/management of project work.
• Exposure to senior professionals, executive presence needed.

Assistant General Counsel - Employment

Total Base Pay Range 121,900.00 - 262,100.00 USD Annual

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well‑being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.

LOCATION -- San Francisco, California 94111

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

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.