Attorney

Confidential; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A privately held multi-location organization is seeking an experienced In-House Employment Counsel to serve as a strategic legal partner across employee relations, litigation management, and compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate should possess deep employment law expertise, manage litigation effectively, and have 5–10+ years of experience. This hybrid role requires exceptional judgment and strong communication skills, supporting executive leadership and HR across various locations.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of employment law experience, preferably in an in-house or hybrid role.
• Strong background in managing employment litigation and agency matters.
• Experience supporting multi-state or multi-location operations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day legal guidance on employee relations and disciplinary actions.
• Manage employment-related litigation and coordinate with outside counsel.
• Lead employment compliance initiatives and monitor regulatory developments.

Skills

Employment law expertise

Judgment

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active bar membership

Job description

In-House Counsel – Employment Practices, Litigation & Compliance

Location: Confidential | Hybrid / On-site

Reports to: Executive Leadership / General Counsel

Position Overview

A privately held, multi-location organization is seeking an experienced In-House Employment Counsel to serve as a strategic legal partner across employee relations, litigation management, HR compliance, and workforce risk. This role provides practical, business-oriented legal guidance to executive leadership, HR, and field operations while overseeing employment-related litigation and compliance initiatives nationwide.

The ideal candidate brings deep employment law expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to balance legal risk with operational realities in a fast-paced environment.

Core Responsibilities

Employment Law & HR Advisory

• Provide day-to-day legal guidance on employee relations, disciplinary actions, terminations, wage and hour issues, leave administration, accommodations, and workplace investigations.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws across multiple jurisdictions.
• Review, draft, and maintain employment policies, handbooks, agreements, and HR practices.

Litigation & Claims Management

• Manage employment-related litigation, administrative charges, and disputes, including coordination with outside counsel.
• Oversee agency matters involving EEOC, DOL, OSHA, and state regulatory bodies.
• Support internal investigations and develop mitigation strategies to reduce exposure.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead employment compliance initiatives and proactive risk assessments.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise leadership on emerging risks.
• Develop and deliver training to leadership and HR teams on employment law and compliance best practices.

Field & Business Partnership

• Act as a trusted legal advisor to field leadership and operational teams.
• Travel as needed to support investigations, hearings, or high-risk employee matters.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align legal strategy with business objectives.
• Advise executive leadership on succession planning, executive transitions, and workforce restructuring from a legal and compliance perspective.
• Support the development of employment agreements, confidentiality provisions, and post-employment restrictions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5–10+ years of employment law experience, preferably in an in‑house or hybrid role.
• Strong background in managing employment litigation and agency matters.
• Experience supporting multi‑state or multi‑location operations strongly preferred.
• Exceptional judgment, communication, and stakeholder management skills.