Corporate Counsel

ExtensisHR•Tampa, FL

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, with approximately half of the time devoted to employment advice and agency matters, about one-third to contracts and client negotiations, and the remainder to compliance projects. The counsel represents ExtensisHR, supports the teams serving its clients, and explains company contracts and processes to clients and brokers. Prior PEO industry knowledge is not expected; the role calls for sound judgment, strong writing, comfort communicating with clients and business leaders, and an interest in learning a complex, regulated business.

Requirements

J.D. and active bar membership in good standing. NJ or FL 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 provide 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.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing desk-related tasks.
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and mouse for prolonged periods, involving repetitive motion.
Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Occasional bending, reaching, and twisting to retrieve files or supplies.
Ability to walk throughout the office, including between departments or meeting rooms.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone or video conference, and to focus and maintain attention for long periods.
Occasional travel may be required.

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, as defense counsel, coverage counsel, or in-house.
Experience at a small or mid-sized firm handling a variety of matters and working directly with clients.

Responsibilities

Advise internal HR, Operations, and Account Management teams on employment matters, including hiring, discipline, terminations, leave, accommodations, 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 with 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, and help train internal teams on legal and compliance topics.
Take on special projects as the business grows.
Use AI tools and technologies effectively and ethically to enhance productivity, decision-making, and performance; stay aware of relevant emerging AI applications and continue developing AI proficiency.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support efficient department and organizational operations.

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.
Group 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) company match is also listed.
Professional development programs.
Employee discounts on retail and entertainment.
In-office events and networking opportunities supported by a social and community outreach committee.
Complimentary coffee and snacks.
Paid holidays.
Disability insurance.
Bar dues and continuing legal education (CLE) support.
No billable hours and the opportunity to see advice put directly into practice.
Direct mentorship from senior leadership.