Labor & Employment Counsel

Areas USA; Miami (FL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

401k with company match

Paid Time Off

Company holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Travel & Entertainment Discounts

Meal Program

Job summary

Areas USA is seeking a Labor and Employment Counsel based in Miami, FL. This in-house role supports labor relations, NLRB matters, and employment litigation management for travel, hospitality, food & beverage, and retail units. Requires 7+ years in labor and employment law and CBA/negotiation experience.

The position is hybrid in Miami, with up to 25% travel within the U.S., and reports to the General Counsel. The role demands practical, risk-balanced advice and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing in the required state or eligibility for admission.

Responsibilities

• Manage labor relations across operations; interpret CBAs and advise on contract compliance.
• Lead bargaining strategy; proposals; wage market research; participate in union negotiations.

Skills

Labor relations

Employment law

Negotiation

Strategic counsel

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Active State Bar membership

Job description

Position Title: Labor and Employment Counsel

Reports To: General Counsel

Status: Exempt

Date: July 2026

Broad Functions: The Labor & Employment Counsel is a member of Areas’ in-house Legal Department, supporting labor and employment relations and claims across the company's travel, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail operations. This role manages the company's relationship with organized labor including collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration proceedings, and NLRB matters, while also providing day-to-day employment claims and litigation management. Candidates must bring 7+ years of labor and employment experience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage labor relations across travel, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail operations; interpret CBAs and advise leaders on contract compliance.
• Develop negotiation strategy, prepare proposals, conduct wage/market research, and participate in bargaining for unionized workforces.
• Advise on and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, including strategy development, proposal drafting, and at-the-table support.
• Evaluate and manage National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) matters, including unfair labor practice charges, position statements, and related investigations.
• Monitor developments in labor law and NLRB precedent and advise leadership on emerging risks and required policy updates.
• Represent the employer in mediations and arbitrations regarding labor matters.
• Manage resolution of employment-related claims and charges, including initial risk assessment and assignment of response strategy.
• Draft and coordinate position statements and responses to charges filed with the EEOC, state fair employment practice agencies, and other administrative bodies.
• Evaluate claims for exposure and litigation risk, and recommend early resolution, mediation, or defense.
• Maintain a claims and litigation tracker for legal and business leadership, reporting on case status, trends, and reserve/exposure estimates.
• Manage insurance claims reporting, subpoenas, and discovery requests tied to employment matters.
• Identify root causes behind recurring claims and drive corrective action to reduce future exposure.
• Prepare for mediations and hearings in employment matters, working closely with outside counsel.

Skills and Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing in [State] (or eligibility for admission or in-house counsel registration).
• 7 years of relevant experience in labor and employment law, at a law firm, in-house, or with a government agency (e.g., the NLRB).
• Hands-on experience with collective bargaining negotiations and labor arbitration, along with working knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to provide practical, risk-balanced advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment.

Position is based out of Miami, Florida and operates on a hybrid schedule. The role requires frequent travel, up to 25%, to airport locations, operational sites, and meetings with union partners within the U.S. jurisdiction. The position involves frequent interaction with managers, union leadership, outside counsel, and external partners.

EEOC Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, or veteran status.

• We offer full-time eligible employees affordable medical insurance, dental and vision benefits, along with a variety of voluntary insurance options.
• Our benefits package includes company-sponsored life insurance, a free employee assistance program, competitive paid time off, company holidays, and a 401k retirement plan with company match.
• Plus, enjoy access to discount programs for travel and entertainment and a location meal program.