Lead Counsel, Employment and Investigations

Corteva Agriscience; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Corteva Agriscience seeks a Lead Counsel, Employment & Investigations to provide strategic legal guidance to the People team and other internal partners. You will oversee a broad spectrum of employment matters, draft agreements, and lead investigations within the company’s ethics and compliance program.

Based at Corteva's Global Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN, the role demands strong judgment, superior communication, and the ability to manage complex, high-volume investigations across regions

Qualifications

• Must have a law degree and be admitted to practice.
• At least 5 years of employment-law experience.
• Experience advising HR and leading investigations.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Ability to assess risk and balance business needs with legal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advise on hiring, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, terminations, RIFs, wage-hour, and benefits.
• Draft, review, and negotiate employment-related agreements, NDAs, and severance documents.
• Lead investigations in ethics and compliance and collaborate with HR and leadership.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and global teams on employment practices.

Skills

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed attorney

Employment law

Strong communication

Risk assessment

Investigations

Independent work

Education

Bar admission

Job description

Who are we, and what do we do?

Corteva Agriscience, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a top-tier global agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, to serve the world’s growing population.

Corteva Agriscience is looking for a Lead Counsel, Employment & Investigations. This position provides leadership, expertise and counsel to senior management and business unit teams will split their time between providing legal support and advice to our Human Resources team and other internal stakeholders on a range of labor and employment related matters, as well as lead the investigations process for Corteva’s ethics and compliance function. This position will be located at the Company’s Global Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN. Occasional travel may be required for this role.

What You’ll Do:

Employment Matters

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Corteva People team and other key business partners, providing practical advice and counseling in employment related matters, including hiring, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, terminations, reductions in force (RIFs), workplace concerns, internal investigations, disciplinary issues, restrictive covenants, wage and hour, compensation, employee benefits, and relevant federal/state/local employment laws.
• Vet proposed terminations and consult with human resource professionals and business leaders to devise and articulate selection criteria for RIFs, exit incentives and early retirement programs.
• Draft, review and/or negotiate employment and separation agreements, offer letters, restrictive covenants, NDAs, consulting terms, and other employment-related contracts.
• Address issues relating to federal, state and local employment laws including ERISA, Age Discrimination In Employment Act, Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, and Paid Leave.
• Coordinate with outside and regional inside counsel to provide guidance on the development and implementation of employment practices that have a global application, as well as on matters relating to non-employee staffing.
• Manage and participate in active Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and state agency inquiries and proceedings as well as active disputes alleging violations of various state and federal employment statutes, including Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, the FLSA, and the FMLA.
• Handle risk assessment and negotiation of employee claims.

Investigations

• Conduct and/or support sensitive ethics & compliance and human resource investigations relating to alleged violations of the firm policies or unlawful behavior.
• Serve on internal company committees reporting on and recommending actions with respect to investigations and employee discipline.

What Skills You Need:

• Must have a law degree and be a practicing attorney in good standing with at least 5 years of regular experience handling employment matters and advising and supporting privileged investigations.
• Juris Doctor degree and licensed attorney in good standing
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent judgment and able to incorporate the company’s risk appetite into their decision making
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with clients, colleagues, regulators, and counsel at every level and region
• Strategic, analytical thinker and creative problem solver
• Strong working knowledge of privilege practices to facility internal investigations
• Ability to work independently and manage high-volume case load

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Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.