Senior Counsel, Employment

Star Valley Veterinary Clinic; United States; On-site; USD 170,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates seeks a seasoned Employment Counsel to join the legal team. You will report to the Associate General Counsel, advise on employment matters enterprise-wide, and collaborate with HR, Operations, and Talent Acquisition across 46 states and Canada.

The role requires 8+ years in employment law, strong leadership, and exceptional communication. You will develop policies, provide risk assessments, and guide complex regulatory changes to protect the business while enabling

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years in employment law with multi-site operations.
• Experience in-house or in law firm focusing on employment law.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement best practices and training across the enterprise.
• Provide expert employment advice to HR and Operations partners on a wide range of matters.
• Provide support to the employment agreement team and ensure policy compliance.
• Analyze complex legal issues and provide practical solutions aligned with business goals.
• Develop strategies to minimize litigation risks and resolve disputes efficiently.
• Stay updated on employment law changes and ensure policy compliance across the enterprise.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to update employment policies and guidelines.
• Deliver risk assessments and recommendations balancing compliance with business needs.
• Lead enterprise employment law initiatives and projects.

Skills

Employment law

Litigation background

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Hospital Name: National Veterinary Associates

Job Type: Support Center

Employment Type: Permanent

Description & Requirements

Job Summary:

We're looking for a seasoned and practical advisor and leader with meaningful employment law experience to join our team. You will report to our Associate General Counsel overseeing employment matters across the Enterprise, providing daily advice and counsel, and partnering cross-functionally and across the Legal and Compliance Team to ensure consistent best practices and implementation of policies. Successful candidates will possess strong curiosity and adaptability. This is an exciting opportunity to join a close-knit legal team supporting a growing company with approximately 40,000 employees in 46 states and Canada.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement best practices, standard operating procedures, and training programs across the enterprise in partnership with functional leaders and colleagues across business units.
• Provide expert employment advice and counsel to HR and Operations partners on a wide range of employment-related matters, including but not limited to, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Provide support and guidance, as needed, to the employment agreement team and related processes, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Timely analyze complex legal issues and provide responsive, practical solutions and recommendations that align with business objectives and mitigate legal risks.
• Develop and implement strategies to minimize litigation risks and resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.
• Stay updated on changes in employment laws and regulations, and ensure company policy remains in compliance as well as consistent adoption and application across the enterprise.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and update employment-related policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Deliver timely, clear, and practical risk assessment and recommendations balancing compliance with business objectives.
• Develop strong partnership with functional leaders and cross-business-unit collaboration.
• Identify trends and initiate preventative measures and corrective action, where needed, to ensure compliance with employment laws.
• Track and implement legal changes affecting multi-state operations.
• Develop and deliver best-in-class guidance and training to key stakeholders and cross-functional partners to ensure continued compliance with employment laws.
• Lead and partner on enterprise employment law initiatives and projects.

Success Metrics/KPIs:

• Risk prevention and reduction through:
  • Quality legal advice,
  • Stakeholder trust, and
  • Successful execution of thorough legal support in enterprise projects.
• Demonstrated influence and partnership resulting in business initiatives with legal involvement at the planning stage.
• Demonstrated strategic prioritization of legal work to ensure continued alignment with Enterprise objectives and goals.
• Ability to strategize broadly, anticipate potential issues, and demonstrate initiative to seek solutions with Enterprise application.

Key internal and external stakeholders:

• People Team (Human Resources) & Team Member Relations
• Operations
• Talent Acquisition

Experience:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience practicing employment law, including a litigation background, with a focus on supporting multi-site operations across jurisdictions and HR counseling. Prior in-house experience and employment litigation background is beneficial.
• Experience in a corporate legal department or law firm specializing in employment law is preferred.
• If you are a highly motivated and skilled employment law professional looking to make a significant impact.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (multi-state experience beneficial).
• Demonstrated leadership experience preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven track record of delivering pragmatic solutions to novel legal problems and resolving disputes effectively and efficiently
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Education / Certifications / Licensing:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in the state bar association.

Physical Demands of the job:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, telephone, and videoconferencing technology.
• Ability to read, analyze, and review extensive electronic and paper documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach, bend, or carry light office materials.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, trainings, investigations, litigation-related activities, or business needs.
• Ability to work in a standard office environment and remotely, as business needs require.

Job requirements, including essential job responsibilities, key deliverables and outcomes, and success metrics, all subject to change based on business needs

FLSA Classification: Exempt

The base salary range for this position is $170,000-$205,000 annually. Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.