Corporate Counsel

ExtensisHR•, NJ

22d•$155,000 - $180,000

About The Position

ExtensisHR is seeking a Corporate Counsel to join its small, collaborative legal and compliance team. The role handles a broad mix of employment, commercial, risk, and client-facing work. Approximately half of the work involves employment advice and agency matters, about one-third involves contracts and client negotiations, and the remainder involves compliance projects. The position supports teams serving clients and explains the company’s contracts and processes to clients and brokers. Prior PEO-industry knowledge is not expected; sound judgment, strong writing, client and business-leader communication, and interest in learning a complex, regulated business are important. The role advises internal teams on employment matters, manages agency charges and litigation with outside counsel, supports the company’s EPLI program, negotiates commercial agreements, and contributes to compliance initiatives and internal guidance. It also requires effective and ethical use of AI tools and ongoing development of AI proficiency. The position may be performed in a hybrid or remote setting depending on business needs and employee accommodation; occasional travel may be required. The company offers a base salary of $155,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications, as well as a range of benefits and professional support. The role has no billable-hour requirement and includes direct mentorship from senior leadership.

Requirements

J.D. and active bar membership in good standing.
NJ or FL bar admission is preferred; candidates admitted elsewhere must be eligible for in-house counsel registration in the state where they will work, where applicable.
Approximately five to seven years of legal experience; candidates outside this range may be considered if they bring the right mix of experience.
Substantive experience in employment law, commercial contracting, or both, and willingness to build depth in whichever area is newer.
Clear, practical written and verbal communication, including the ability to give business-focused advice to non-lawyers.
Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage a varied docket independently.
Curiosity and a genuine desire to learn a regulated, multidisciplinary industry.
Ability to use AI tools ethically and effectively and develop proficiency with relevant AI applications.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk-related tasks.
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and mouse for prolonged periods, requiring repetitive motion.
Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone or video conferencing, and to focus and maintain attention for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

PEO, staffing, or HR services industry experience.
Exposure to ERISA and employee benefits, payroll or employment tax, or privacy and data protection law.
Experience with EPLI or other insurance programs, whether as defense counsel, coverage counsel, or in-house.
Experience at a small or mid-sized law firm handling varied matters and working directly with clients.

Responsibilities

Advise internal HR, Operations, and Account Management teams on employment matters, including hiring, discipline, terminations, leave, accommodation, wage and hour, and multistate compliance.
Assist with oversight of the Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) program, including claim intake, carrier notice, coordination with panel counsel, monitoring defense strategy and spend, and supporting renewals.
Manage agency charges and litigation alongside outside counsel, from EEOC and state agency charges through resolution.
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including Client Service Agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and data processing agreements, and respond to client redlines.
Interact directly with clients and brokers to explain contract terms and processes and resolve questions about the company’s services.
Support compliance initiatives in privacy and data protection, employee benefits, payroll tax, and state licensing and registration.
Draft and update policies, templates, and internal guidance, and help train internal teams on legal and compliance topics.
Take on special projects as the business grows and perform additional responsibilities assigned to support the department and organization.
Use AI tools and technologies effectively and ethically to enhance productivity, decision-making, and performance; maintain awareness of relevant emerging AI applications and continue developing AI proficiency.

Benefits

Competitive compensation; base salary range of $155,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Progressive paid-time-off program, including time off for volunteering and life events.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available from day one.
Pretax spending accounts for health and dependent-care expenses.
401(k) and IRA retirement plans with employer contributions; 401(k) with company match.
Professional development programs.
Employee discounts on retail and entertainment.
Complimentary coffee and snacks.
Paid holidays.
Disability insurance.
Bar dues and continuing legal education (CLE) support.
Direct mentorship from senior leadership.
No billable hours.