Corporate Counsel, Employment

Paychex•West Palm Beach, FL

13h•Remote

About The Position

Paychex is seeking an experienced employment attorney to lead the defense and resolution of employment litigation and agency charges while providing practical advice to Human Resources and business leaders. This role has a substantial disputes practice, with responsibility for strategy, risk assessment and outside counsel oversight from the first demand through final resolution. The Corporate Counsel, Employment also helps internal clients make sound employment decisions, prevent disputes and maintain compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment laws.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree and active admission to a State Bar in good standing.
A minimum of six years of relevant legal experience is required, including substantial hands-on employer-side employment litigation and defense of federal and state employment agency charges. The experience requirement is mandatory and is separate from the degree requirement.
Demonstrated ability to develop litigation strategy, assess exposure, manage discovery, direct outside counsel and negotiate resolutions.
Strong knowledge of federal and state employment law, sound judgment in sensitive workplace matters, and the ability to translate legal analysis into practical business advice are essential.
Candidates must bring excellent legal writing, advocacy, communication and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to prioritize competing matters and manage deadlines and costs.

Nice To Haves

Multistate employment counseling and litigation, including California
Service in an in-house legal department

Responsibilities

Manage a substantial portfolio of employer-side employment disputes, including demand letters and litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave, accommodation and wage-and-hour claims. Develop case strategy from pre-litigation assessment through pleadings, discovery, hearings, trial preparation and resolution. Evaluate legal and factual defenses, potential exposure and business implications, and communicate clear recommendations to legal leadership and internal stakeholders.
Work closely with internal clients to gather facts, identify and prepare witnesses, and coordinate timely preservation of relevant records and litigation holds. Direct and review discovery responses, document production and responses to employment-record subpoenas with outside counsel. Maintain sound judgment in handling sensitive information and protecting confidentiality and privilege.
Select and oversee outside counsel in coordination with legal leadership, establish matter budgets, monitor fees and costs, and hold counsel accountable for strategy, quality and efficiency. Identify opportunities for early resolution, lead mediation and settlement strategy, obtain appropriate settlement authority, and negotiate and review settlement agreements and releases. Report on material developments, exposure and recommended next steps to support informed decisions.
Lead the response to employment charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and comparable state and local agencies.
Investigate allegations, develop defense strategy, draft and review position statements, and respond to information requests.
Coordinate agency investigations, interviews and mediations, manage deadlines, and partner with outside counsel where appropriate to achieve effective resolution.
Provide timely, practical advice to Human Resources and business leaders on hiring, performance management, discipline, termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave, reasonable accommodation and wage-and-hour issues. Help clients assess options and implement defensible decisions that balance legal risk, business needs and respectful treatment of employees.
Advise on and support internal employment investigations, including fact development, findings and appropriate corrective action. Review employment policies, practices, severance agreements and releases; develop relevant training; and monitor legal developments to recommend improvements. Build trusted internal relationships, collaborate with colleagues across the legal function, and support the Chief Legal Officer on employment matters.