Counsel I (Legal)

SAG-AFTRA • Los Angeles, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of the Counsel I role is to protect the interests of SAG-AFTRA and its members by enforcing SAG-AFTRA contracts through arbitration and state/federal litigation. The Counsel I role also provides timely and detailed advice to SAG-AFTRA departments regarding issues that implicate state and/or federal law, federal labor law, and SAG-AFTRA contractual negotiations .

Requirements

• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity.
• Negotiating skills - able to negotiate with diplomacy.
• Able to work under pressure and independently.
• Capable of taking direction from more than one supervisor.
• Able to professionally deal with irate, hostile, and/or difficult personalities.
• Able to respond to member and third party calls in a timely manner.
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged.
• Detail oriented.
• Proficient on Lexis Nexis and/or Bloomberg Law.
• Must be proficient in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and PC applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines.
• Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of patience and tact.
• Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, both internally and externally.
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members.
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such a level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA’s sole discretion.
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours (and/or overtime for applicable non- exempt positions) per day or per week, including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs.
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.
• A Juris Doctor or LLB degree from an ABA accredited law school or equivalent and at least one year’s experience as a practicing attorney or its equivalent.
• Must provide a substantive legal writing sample.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Nice To Haves

• Background in labor or entertainment law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Litigation Manage caseload of arbitration matters, concerning contract and NLRA-related member grievances against signatory producers and distributors.
• Under supervision, represent SAG-AFTRA and its members in state and federal court in various litigation matters, including but not limited to disputes between members and producers/distributors/agents, based on state and federal law, and SAG-AFTRA contracts.
• Under supervision, represent SAG-AFTRA in administrative proceedings, and state and federal court regarding litigation brought by or against SAG-AFTRA, including but not limited to disputes with members, vendors, and/or employees.
• Advising Departments Advise department staff as to legal rights pursuant to relevant contracts (e.g.., non-disclosure agreements, real-estate documents, etc.), state and federal law (labor and otherwise), and other legally relevant issues (HR-related issues, website privacy policy, etc.).
• Prepare legal opinions and documents that interpret applicable laws, rulings (arbitration and other), the SAG-AFTRA constitution and contracts, and various regulations related to applicable law.
• Prepare agreements and contracts pursuant to departmental requests.
• Conduct legal and factual research regarding specific departmental issues.
• Assist in assessment of internal documents, policies, etc., for legal compliance, and advise SAG-AFTRA personnel appropriately.
• Negotiations and Advice Negotiate terms and provisions of various contracts (i.e.., vendor contracts, etc.).
• Resolve informally disputes between SAG-AFTRA (for itself and on behalf of SAG-AFTRA members) and third parties, in an effort to preempt litigation.
• Provide general information and assistance to SAG-AFTRA members in areas related to their work under SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements.

Benefits

• The annual salary for this position is $120,306.00 along with excellent employee benefits and perks.
• Colleagues that are passionate about what we do and how they contribute to our mission
• Balance between work and home life responsibilities
• Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Generous pension plan
• Employee discounts and perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees