Associate Counsel - Employment & Labor

Natural Grocers•Lakewood, CO

About The Position

Natural Grocers is seeking an experienced Associate Counsel – Employment & Labor to join its in-house legal team. The role provides practical, business-oriented legal guidance on employment law, labor relations, and workforce management across the company’s multi-state retail operations. The Associate Counsel partners with Human Resources and Operations leadership to support a compliant, values-driven workplace, proactively manage risk, and advance the company’s Five Founding Principles. The position also provides general commercial legal support as needed, including reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts. Employees are expected to be hands-on and to perform tasks needed to get the job done and help the company thrive. The job description and responsibilities may change, and employees may be assigned additional tasks by their manager or another Store Support Center manager.

Requirements

J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active state attorney registration.
At least five years of relevant law firm or in-house experience.
Highly organized, with the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple competing priorities.
Ability to independently identify and address important details.
Excellent analytical and research skills and the ability to develop well-reasoned recommendations independently.
Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts concisely in plain English and with sound grammar and usage.
Positive attitude and commitment to excellent customer service in support of stores.
Integrity and discretion in handling confidential matters.
High proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and aptitude for learning and using new efficiency-enhancing technologies.
Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 lbs and push or pull up to 30 lbs.
Ability to constantly use a computer for data entry and mouse use; sit, perform fine motor manipulations, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.
Ability to frequently grip, bend, twist, and turn, and occasionally walk, stand, squat, kneel, and reach above chest as needed.
Ability to work occasionally with cold, heat, sharp tools and equipment, noise, contact stress, dust, fumes, and congested worksites.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience representing clients in NLRB and EEOC matters.
Direct experience defending employment litigation in state and federal court.

Responsibilities

Advise HR, operations, and leadership on day-to-day employment law and labor relations matters, including discipline, terminations, accommodations, and wage and hour issues.
Manage the company’s response to EEOC charges, employment claims, and litigation, including facilitating internal investigations, preparing position statements, and overseeing outside counsel.
Counsel the business on compliance with federal and state employment, anti-discrimination, and wage and hour laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and FMLA.
Guide management on labor issues, NLRA compliance, union organizing campaigns, and labor matters before state agencies and the NLRB.
Develop and deliver employment and labor law compliance training for HR and field leadership.
Draft and advise on employment policies, handbooks, and internal procedures.
Monitor legal developments and provide proactive, actionable guidance to the business.
Review and negotiate commercial contracts and provide general commercial legal support as needed.
Partner with teams across the organization to promote practical, risk-balanced decision-making.
Perform additional assigned tasks and contribute hands-on as needed to help the company thrive.