Corporate Counsel

ExtensisHR•Tampa, FL

10d

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 matters. 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. Prior PEO industry knowledge is not expected; the position calls for sound judgment, strong writing, comfort communicating with clients and business leaders, and interest in learning a complex, regulated business. The Corporate Counsel represents ExtensisHR and supports the teams serving its clients, including by explaining contracts and processes to clients and brokers. The role advises internal teams on employment matters; supports the company’s Employment Practices Liability Insurance program; manages agency charges and litigation with outside counsel; drafts, reviews, and negotiates commercial agreements; and works directly with clients and brokers. It also supports compliance initiatives, maintains policies and internal guidance, trains teams, and undertakes special projects as the business grows. Effective, ethical use of AI tools and continuing development of AI proficiency are key functions of the role. The position may be performed in a hybrid or remote setting, depending on business needs and employee accommodation. Occasional travel may be required. The typical work environment is quiet and climate-controlled, with standard office equipment. The listed base salary range is $155,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

J.D. and active bar membership in good standing.
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 ability to give business-focused advice to non-lawyers.
Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and ability to independently manage a varied docket.
Curiosity and a genuine desire to learn a regulated, multidisciplinary industry.
Candidates admitted outside New Jersey or Florida must be eligible for in-house counsel registration in the state where they will work, where applicable.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk-related tasks; prolonged computer, keyboard, and mouse use involving repetitive motion; lift and carry office supplies or equipment up to 20 pounds; occasionally bend, reach, and twist; walk throughout the office; communicate effectively in person and via phone or video conferencing; and maintain focus for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Admission to the New Jersey or Florida bar is preferred.
Experience at a small or mid-sized law firm handling varied matters and working directly with clients.
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 as defense counsel, coverage counsel, or in-house.

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 company’s 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 ExtensisHR’s contract terms and processes and resolve questions about its services.
Support compliance initiatives involving privacy and data protection, employee benefits, payroll tax, and state licensing and registration.
Draft and update policies, templates, and internal guidance.
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 ethically and effectively, 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; benefits information also specifies a 401(k) with company match.
Professional development programs and direct mentorship from senior leadership.
Employee discounts on retail and entertainment.
Paid holidays.
Disability insurance.
Bar dues and continuing legal education (CLE) support.
Social and community outreach committee, in-office events, and networking opportunities.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) committee and employee engagement initiatives.
Complimentary coffee and snacks.
No billable hours and the opportunity to see legal advice put directly into practice.