Senior Counsel, Employment/Labor Relations

This is a Full Time Job

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides legal advice and counsel on all employment and labor matters; aids in the interpretation of and compliance with applicable local, state and federal HR laws and regulations. Handles the investigation and resolution of employment matters, labor claims/grievances for HBO. Assists Compliance Officer on HBO compliance matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides strategic legal guidance to HR as well as to senior management on employment and labor law matters:
• Provides counsel to HR, responding to administrative charges, reviewing and/or drafting employment policies, drafting standard form employment agreement language and other employment-related agreements (i.e., independent contractor, confidentiality, non-competition, 409A, etc.), overseeing responses to subpoenas, and overseeing outside litigation, including but not limited to responding to discovery demands, attending depositions and/or trials and resolving cases.
• Provides Employee Relations team with legal counsel in managing sensitive, complex matters related to employment. Handles investigations of employee misconduct and recommends and assists in the implementation of appropriate course of action.
• Monitors and reports on latest employment law trends and developments and provides updates, guidance and training to Human Resources staff. Provides expert review on policies, procedures, employee training and specific cases which may be impacted by legislation or case law development.
• Represents the company's interests in claims and proceedings involving, but not limited to, EEOC complaints, wage and hour issues, discrimination issues, unemployment compensation, and worker's compensation.
• Except for matters regarding the entertainment guilds: Provides legal guidance to HR and senior management regarding labor relations matters. Assists in drafting, interpretation, implementation and administration of labor agreements. Investigates grievances and litigates arbitration claims brought under labor agreements. Represents HBO in labor arbitration matters and/or assigns, directs and manages handling of labor arbitration matters by internal or external legal counsel.
Compliance:
• Periodically reviews and updates Standards of Business Conduct (“SBC”) to ensure continuing currency and relevance in providing guidance to management and employees. Collaborates with other departments (e.g., Internal Audit, HR, etc.) to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution.
• In support of the Compliance Officer, responds to alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct by evaluating or recommending the initiation of investigative procedures.
• Works with the HR Department, and others as appropriate, to manage and administer HBO’s compliance program, including assisting in the design of appropriate training.

REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctor Degree; member in good standing of New York Bar.
• 5- 7 years progressively responsible legal experience specializing in employment and labor law; prior in-house experience is a plus, but not required.
• Position requires that the individual be fully versed in current US employment-related laws and legal issues, including but not limited to Title VII, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, FLSA compliance (as well as state and local equivalents in NY and CA) , wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, reductions in workforce, classification of employees, restrictive covenants, etc.
• Experience providing training with respect to employment law, including anti-harassment training, and an in depth understanding of issues related to independent contractors is highly desirable.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating executive agreements preferred as is working knowledge of applicable tax law.
• Experience conducting internal investigations (e.g. alleged workplace misconduct, violations of the company's SBC, etc.) is preferred.
• Knowledge of Federal and State labor laws sufficient to ensure compliance with regulations when negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements. Knowledge of arbitration, and grievance procedures sufficient to administer labor agreements.
• Strong research and writing skills, experience drafting legal memoranda, and experience responding to charges of discrimination from and drafting position statements to state and federal governmental agencies. Ability to prepare clear, concise and complete legal documents, reports, correspondence and other communications on complex legal issues.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to influence others; strong execution abilities and the ability to drive results in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with management and other levels of staff, both verbally and written; strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Requires someone who can operate in a fast paced environment and handle multiple projects under time constraints.
• Must be able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality with all Employment/Labor Relation cases.
• International employment law experience a plus.
• Travel may be required.
• Location: NYC