Senior Counsel North Carolina

Linking Organizations & Workforce; Burnsville (NC); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Linking Organizations & Workforce in North Carolina is seeking a Senior Counsel with strong employment litigation skills to join our premier team. You will manage complex employment matters and serve as a trusted advisor to HR and corporate clients.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of employment litigation experience, a strong courtroom track record, and a proactive, client-first approach. Active NC bar admission is required.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Minimum 5 years of employment litigation experience, currently practicing litigation at a law firm.
• Proven track record in employment litigation with demonstrable courtroom and trial experience.
• Substantial litigation, advisory, and counseling experience with HR and corporate clients.
• A proactive, client-first approach with clear communication by phone on litigation matters.
• Strong business acumen and ability to provide practical legal guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex employment litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Lead all phases of the litigation lifecycle including pleadings and trials.
• Provide timely phone-based counsel to HR clients on day-to-day issues and risk mitigation.
• Coach HR and management on sensitive employment situations and policy development.
• Deliver strategic advisory and litigation services to corporate clients across industries.
• Conduct trainings for client HR and management on employment law best practices.
• Draft and negotiate employment agreements, severance packages, and policies.
• Manage discovery, depositions, and court appearances; collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Employment litigation

Trial experience

Client counseling

Communication skills

Business acumen

Legal writing

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

North Carolina Bar Admission

Job description

Position Overview

A premier employment law firm is seeking an accomplished Senior Counsel with strong litigation skills to join their distinguished legal team in North Carolina. This litigation focused role offers the opportunity to manage sophisticated employment litigation while serving as a proactive, trusted advisor to the firm's HR and corporate clients. The ideal candidate is currently practicing litigation at a law firm, brings demonstrable courtroom and litigation experience, and thrives on building relationships with clients by being responsive and accessible by phone, guiding HR teams through real-time challenges as they arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle complex employment litigation matters from inception through resolution, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and wrongful termination litigation


• Lead all phases of the litigation lifecycle, including pleadings, motion practice, discovery, depositions, mediation, trial, and appeals


• Serve as a hands-on, proactive resource for HR clients, providing timely phone-based counsel on day-to-day employment issues, urgent personnel matters, and litigation risk mitigation


• Coach and guide HR professionals and management teams through sensitive employment situations, policy development, and pre-litigation compliance questions


• Deliver strategic, solution-oriented advisory and litigation services to corporate clients across a range of industries


• Conduct training sessions and workshops for client HR and management teams on employment law and litigation avoidance best practices


• Draft and negotiate employment agreements, severance packages, and workplace policies designed to minimize litigation exposure


• Manage discovery, depositions, and court appearances throughout active litigation


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on the litigation and employment aspects of corporate matters

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials


• Minimum 5 years of employment litigation experience, currently practicing litigation at a law firm


• Proven track record in employment litigation with demonstrable courtroom and trial experience


• Substantial litigation, advisory, and counseling experience with HR and corporate clients


• A proactive, client-first approach with the confidence and communication skills to advise clients directly and responsively by phone on litigation and employment matters


• Strong business acumen with the ability to provide practical, actionable legal and litigation guidance


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including litigation-related writing and advocacy


• Active bar admission in North Carolina (or ability to obtain promptly)

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience


• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and retirement plans


• Professional development opportunities and continuing legal education support


• Collaborative work environment within a nationally recognized litigation practice


• Clear partnership track for exceptional performers

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and employment.