Senior Employment Counsel & Strategy Director

DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 127,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

DICK'S Sporting Goods in New York, NY, seeks a Director - Sr. Corporate Counsel, Employment to serve as strategic advisor on complex employment law matters, overseeing litigation and enterprise-wide compliance while partnering with HR and business leaders.

This senior role leads a team, shapes risk-based guidance, and drives consistent employment practices across the organization, with a focus on ADA, FMLA, wage-and-hour and regulatory developments.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in law or equivalent required.
• JD must be admitted to practice.
• 8+ years of legal experience or equivalent.
• Experience in employment law, litigation management, and advisory functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, risk-based employment law counsel to executives and HR across the organization.
• Oversee employment litigation, agency matters, and settlement strategies.
• Develop enterprise employment law compliance strategies and governance frameworks.
• Direct relationships with outside counsel and manage legal spend to align with business goals.
• Lead training, regulatory monitoring, and talent development within Legal & Compliance.

Skills

5-7 years experience

8+ years experience

Education

JD

Advanced Degree

Job description

At DICK'S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve.

If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world's greatest sports team, apply to join our team today!

OVERVIEW:

The Director - Sr. Corporate Counsel, Employment serves as a strategic legal advisor to executive leadership and business partners on complex employment law matters and workforce-related risks across the organization. This role provides proactive, business-focused counsel on employment practices, oversees significant employment litigation and agency matters, and leads enterprise-wide compliance strategies designed to support organizational objectives while mitigating legal risk. The position partners closely with Human Resources, business leaders, and external counsel to navigate evolving legal requirements and drive consistent, compliant employment practices.

Location: Foot Locker HQ in New York, NY.

Strategic Employment Law Counsel & Business Partnership

• Serve as a senior legal advisor to executive leadership, Human Resources, and business leaders by providing strategic, risk-based counsel on complex employment law matters, including ADA, FMLA, FCRA, wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace accommodations, employee relations, and emerging state and local employment law requirements.

Employment Litigation & Dispute Resolution Strategy

• Lead the Company's employment litigation and dispute resolution strategy, including oversight of EEOC charges, demand letters, litigation, mediations, arbitrations, restrictive covenant matters, and high-risk employment claims.
• Provide guidance on case strategy, risk assessment, settlement considerations, and business implications.

Employment Compliance, Governance & Risk Management

• Develop and lead enterprise employment law compliance strategies, policies, and governance frameworks to address evolving federal, state, and local legal requirements.
• Partner with Human Resources and business leaders to proactively identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and drive continuous improvement of employment practices.

Legal Operations, Investigations & External Counsel Management

• Direct relationships with outside counsel and manage legal spend to ensure effective, timely, and business-aligned delivery of legal services.
• Oversee responses to government investigations, audits, and administrative agency inquiries while ensuring consistent legal positions and compliance practices across the enterprise.

Legal Education, Regulatory Monitoring & Organizational Enablement

• Lead and deliver employment law training and education initiatives for leaders, Human Resources professionals, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments, assess organizational impact, and influence policy and operational changes that support the Company's strategic objectives.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a Legal Analyst, providing ongoing feedback, performance management, and career development support.
• Set clear priorities and oversee work allocation to ensure high-quality, timely legal support to the business.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous development while building team capability and bench strength.
• Support talent planning, employee engagement, and succession planning efforts within the Legal & Compliance function.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced Degree

• JD

• 5-7 years experience

• 1) Possesses 8+ years of experience practicing law, preferably in a law firm, corporate legal department or relevant regulatory agency (e.g., SEC); or (2) has demonstrated a distinguished record of handling complex matters that correlates to the level of practice experience described in item (1).

VIRTUAL REQUIREMENTS:

At DICK'S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments.

To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following:

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.

• AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidateduring any part of the interview process.

• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification.

If you have any questions or need accommodations, we're here to help. Thanks for helping us keep the process fair and secure for everyone!

Targeted Pay Range: $127,000.00 - $237,800.00. This is part of a competitive total rewards package that could include other components such as: incentive, equity and benefits. Individual pay is determined by a number of factors including experience, location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. We review all teammate pay regularly to ensure competitive and equitable pay.DICK'S Sporting Goods complies with all state paid leave requirements. We also offer a generous suite of benefits. To learn more, visit www.benefityourliferesources.com.