Employment Counsel

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Employment Counsel based in California, United States. The Employment Counsel will serve as a trusted legal advisor, providing strategic and day-to-day guidance on employment and labor matters across a complex healthcare services organization. Reporting to the General Counsel and working closely with Human Resources leadership, you will help shape employee relations strategies, support business initiatives, and minimize legal and regulatory risks. This role covers a broad range of responsibilities, including employment litigation, labor relations, agency proceedings, settlement negotiations, and employee benefits matters. You will collaborate with stakeholders across HR, Finance, Risk, Benefits, and executive leadership to develop practical, business-oriented legal solutions. Beyond employment law, you will have opportunities to contribute to broader legal matters, oversee external counsel, and support other legal professionals as needed. This is an opportunity for an experienced California-licensed attorney to make a meaningful contribution within a mission-driven organization focused on behavioral health and community well-being.

As Employment Counsel, you will provide comprehensive legal support on employment and labor matters, helping leadership navigate complex workforce issues while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. You will combine strong legal judgment with a practical, collaborative approach to risk management, dispute resolution, and organizational decision-making. Provide day-to-day legal advice and counsel on a broad range of employment and labor matters to Human Resources, Finance, Risk, Benefits, Corporate Responsibility, and leaders across the organization. Partner with senior leadership and HR stakeholders to develop employee relations strategies, support business initiatives, mitigate employment-related risks, and promote regulatory compliance. Manage significant employment litigation, including wage-and-hour disputes and employment practices matters, from initial assessment through resolution. Oversee settlement negotiations and respond to agency actions, attorney demand letters, and single-plaintiff complaints. Represent or support the organization in proceedings before federal and state agencies, ensuring timely, effective, and legally sound responses. Interpret and apply federal, California, and other relevant employment laws and regulations, including traditional labor law requirements. Provide legal guidance on employee benefit plans and related matters, and review and evaluate contracts to identify risks and protect organizational interests. Oversee external legal counsel and, as appropriate, supervise other attorneys and legal staff to ensure high-quality, efficient legal support. Deliver legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders to strengthen compliance awareness and support effective employment practices. Identify complex legal and operational issues, assess potential exposure, and develop practical strategies that balance legal requirements with business objectives. Contribute to broader legal matters outside employment law as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support the organization's evolving legal needs. Build strong internal relationships and deliver responsive, high-quality legal service in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Requirements: The ideal candidate is an experienced employment attorney with strong expertise in California employment law, traditional labor relations, and employment litigation. You should combine sound legal analysis with excellent client service, practical problem-solving, and the ability to advise stakeholders at all organizational levels. Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree from an accredited law school, supported by strong academic credentials. Active California Bar admission in good standing. 5–7 years of practicing attorney experience specializing in employment law, including some in-house experience where applicable. Significant experience advising clients on employment matters, delivering training, and handling complex employment litigation. Demonstrated experience with wage-and-hour disputes, employment practices matters, agency proceedings, attorney demand letters, and single-plaintiff complaints. Extensive knowledge of federal, California, and other applicable labor and employment laws and regulations. Strong working knowledge of traditional labor relations and labor law. Experience managing or supervising other attorneys and coordinating external legal counsel. Familiarity with employee benefit plans, contract review, settlement negotiations, and employment-related dispute resolution. Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to identify complex issues and develop practical, risk-conscious legal strategies. Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality client service. A proactive, action-oriented approach and the ability to collaborate effectively with leadership in a fast-paced environment. Alignment with a mission-driven workplace focused on behavioral health, recovery, equity, inclusion, and community well-being. Ability to satisfy applicable pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, a two-step tuberculosis PPD test, criminal background clearance, excluded-party sanctions screening, and degree or license verification. Additional requirements may apply depending on regulatory, contractual, or local obligations. Benefits: Expected starting salary range: $177,455.49–$250,000 USD , with the assigned range determined by the geographic location from which the role is performed. Starting compensation is based on relevant experience and qualifications, and geographic pay differentials may apply. Full-time, remote work arrangement within California. Regular daytime schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Paid time off accrued each pay period for vacation and personal needs, with eligibility for employees working at least 20 hours per week. Accrual is prorated for part-time schedules, with annual carryover subject to established limits. Nine paid holidays. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) retirement plan. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Free continuing education units (CEUs). Coaching, mentorship, and free supervision for eligible BBS Associate License holders. Online university tuition discounts and company scholarship opportunities. Additional benefits and eligibility terms may vary depending on location and position type.