Counsel – Field Operations & Employment Law

Albertsons Companies • Pleasanton, CA

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who’s not just seeking a
job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the
opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that
values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers
the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly
evolving.

The Counsel – Field Operations & Employment role will be principally responsible
for defending Safeway, Albertsons and their subsidiaries in single-plaintiff
employment litigation, administrative claims and pre-litigation disputes. This
role will own matters from intake to resolution, including directing and
advising on internal investigations as necessary. The ideal candidate combines
strong litigation instincts, excellent judgment and the ability to translate
legal risks into clear, business-focused advice.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 plus years in private practice and/or in-house legal department experience in relevant areas
• Substantive knowledge of employment laws and regulations, administrative procedures, court rules and legal research skills across multiple jurisdictions in order to effectively defend the Company
• Strong negotiation, decision-making, interviewing, investigation, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel and litigation budgets
• Ability to work independently and exercise business-focused judgement and discretion
• Good judgment, collaboration, excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills
• Travel will be required
• Regular and predictable attendance required. We currently require 4 attendance days in the office, enabling collaboration and interaction with members of the legal department and clients.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with California law and courts a significant benefit.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Asset Protection, Human Resources, Management and Labor Relations to investigate and defend claims by current and former employees.
• Solely manage claims filed with administrative agencies (federal and state), including initial assessment, leading the ADR/mediation process, responding to any requests for information and drafting position papers.
• Support other attorneys on the Field Operations & Employment team as needed.
• Oversee all phases of single-plaintiff litigation, including early case assessment, strategy development, management of outside counsel, discovery, motion practice, mediation and settlement negotiations.
• Handle customer and other third-party disputes and claims.
• Respond to subpoenas, search warrants and other requests from governmental agencies.
• Provide day to day legal advice to HR and management on employee relations issues, including discipline, performance management, accommodations, leaves, third-party contractor management, wage and hour issues and terminations.
• Identify trends arising from litigation, pre-litigation claims and investigations and translate lessons learned into policy, training, and process improvements.
• Partner with HR on updates to policies, handbooks, and practices.
• Monitor legal developments affecting employment law and advise on practical implications for the business.

Benefits

• Competitive wages paid weekly
• Associate discounts
• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay).
• Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees