Assistant General Counsel - Employment

Hines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Hines is seeking an Assistant General Counsel - Employment to provide strategic and day-to-day legal support on employment matters across our global platform. You will advise on contracts, incentive plans, equity programs, retention and restructurings. The role requires experience in multi-jurisdictional employment matters, strong U.S.

law knowledge, and the ability to work with HR and senior leadership. In-house experience at a global organization is preferred, with Texas licensure desirable

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited top-tier US law school.
• Seven or more years of experience in employment law.
• Experience managing multi-jurisdictional matters with cross-border teams.
• Licensed to practice in at least one US state; Texas licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise on global employment law matters with HR, Finance and business teams.
• Draft and negotiate employment contracts, letters, bonus and retention agreements.
• Handle employee disputes, performance issues and investigations.
• Oversee bonus arrangements, equity plans and long-term incentive programs.
• Manage employment claims and settlements, coordinating with external counsel.
• Help develop policies, templates, training across jurisdictions.
• Monitor developments in employment law and manage global risk.

Skills

Employment law

Cross-border matters

Strategic advising

Executive communication

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Overview

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines.

Responsibilities

As the Assistant General Counsel - Employment, you will provide strategic and day-to-day legal support on employment matters across the firm’s global platform. This role will provide practical, business-focused advice on employment contracts, incentive arrangements, bonus plans, employee equity and long-term incentive programs, retention arrangements, disputes, restructurings and exits.

• Advise on global employment law matters, working closely with HR, Finance, Tax and business teams.
• Draft, review and negotiate employment contracts, offer letters, bonus agreements, retention agreements, settlement agreements and exit documentation.
• Advise on employee disputes, grievances, disciplinary matters, performance management issues and internal investigations.
• Advise on employee bonus arrangements, incentive schemes, equity programmes, long-term incentive plans, retention plans and related leaver provisions.
• Manage employment claims, settlement negotiations and external employment counsel where required.
• Support the development of employment policies, templates, guidance and training across jurisdictions.
• Monitor employment law developments and help manage employment-related legal risk globally

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include:

• J.D. degree from an accredited top-tier US law school.
• Strong academic credentials from a top tier institution
• Seven or more years of experience in employment law
• Experience managing multi-jurisdictional employment matters, coordinating local counsel and collaborating with international legal and HR teams on cross-border employment matters
• Deep knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations
• In-house experience at a global organization preferred
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. state; Texas licensure preferred
• Highly confident, articulate, self-motivated, self-sufficient, and enthusiastic individual who is a team player
• Strong corporate IQ – i.e., know how to get things done within a corporate organization
• Demonstrable organizational, problem solving skills, able to prioritize and work independently
• Rigorous, detail orientated, flexible, versatile and with good people skills and ability to work in a multi-discipline team
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong executive presence with the confidence to advise senior leadership on complex and sensitive employment matters
• Ability to travel periodically

Closing

At Hines, we strive for excellence as a leading global real estate investment manager, driven by our by our belief that real estate is fundamentally about people. Our diverse portfolio spans $93.2 billion¹ of assets across such property types as living, office, retail, mixed‑use, logistics and life science projects – all designed to enhance value, connection and inspiration. Our strategic approach integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks aligned with our convictions to exceed expectations and tailor solutions to our clients' needs.

While our projects are renowned for enhancing cities and pioneering sustainable practices, we recognize that the true driving force behind Hines' success is our 5,000 dedicated employees in 30 countries who draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward. This is why we prioritize investing in our people, offering comprehensive training, competitive compensation, robust benefits and generous vacation packages. By centering our focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone, including our clients, can thrive.

Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. ¹Includes both the global Hines organization and RIA AUM as of December 31, 2023.

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.