Labor Counsel

First Student; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student is seeking a Labor Counsel in Chicago, IL. This integral position works closely with the Labor Relations/HR team, serving as the chief negotiator during collective bargaining negotiations and providing guidance on Labor Relations matters. Candidates should possess a law degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience, along with strong communication and strategic leadership skills. The role emphasizes effective collaboration across various teams within the company.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-4 years of traditional labor and employment experience.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong administrative skills and superior interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance on Labor Relations issues.
• Lead collective bargaining preparation initiatives.

Skills

Labor Relations expertise

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Law degree

Job description

The Labor Counsel position is an integral role to the organization and a key functioning hands‑on member of the Labor Relations/HR team. In this role you will work closely with the Labor Relations/HR leadership team, and collaborate closely with key members of the company Operational, Finance and other key support positions. Serve as a subject matter expert, providing day to day guidance on Labor Relations and related legal matters. This includes leading the preparation for collective bargaining union contract negotiations and serving as the Chief Spokesperson during collective bargaining negotiations. Serve as the company representative for related Federal, State and agency matters, including NLRB matters and conducting arbitrations and mediations.

Major Responsibilities:

• Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions.
• Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience is highly preferred.
• Must be a subject matter expert in Labor Relations related matters.
• Serve as the company representation before the NLRB on representation issues.
• Provides Operations and HR leaders with day‑to‑day guidance regarding all Labor Relations related matters, such as Labor contract interpretation, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Lead the facilitation, application, and rollout of new labor law requirements, working closely with Operations and Human Resources leaders, developing strategy and communication execution.
• Serve as the strategic leader for collective bargaining preparation initiatives, ensuring timely and effective advanced planning.
• Provide guidance in addressing any potential work stoppage, from Operation contingency planning to media and security involvement.
• Collaborate closely with the Labor Relations, Human Resources, Operations and Financial team leaders in all collective bargaining preparation and execution matters.

Minimum Experience & Skills Required:

• Minimum of 2-4 years of traditional labor and employment experience.
• Law degree.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills to include; clear, concise, and persuasive skills.
• Computer proficiency.
• Can function self‑sufficiently and independently.
• Must be a detailed oriented strategic leader, responsible for delivering on the execution of initiatives.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work as a strong collaborative and influential team player.
• Strong administrative skills and superior interpersonal skills.
• Effective leadership and organization skills. Must have the ability to be a strategic thinker, develop strategy and goals, while working with individuals across the organization.