Employment Attorney

Baystate Health•Springfield, MA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Baystate Health is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department in Springfield, Massachusetts. Reporting within the Legal Department and working under the oversight of the Chief Legal Officer, this role partners with organizational leadership, Human Resources, Risk Management, and other stakeholders to identify and mitigate legal risk. The attorney provides strategic, practical legal guidance on employment and labor relations matters and helps ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations. The role manages employment-related litigation and government investigations, advises on complex workplace matters, and serves as a trusted legal advisor within a complex healthcare organization. It requires balancing sound legal strategy with operational priorities and organizational objectives. The position is based at 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA, and requires travel to all Baystate Health entities.

Requirements

At least 7 years of progressively responsible employment law experience, including substantial employment litigation experience and advising organizations on employment-related legal risk.
Current licensure and good standing to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
Demonstrated expertise in employment law, litigation strategy, administrative proceedings, government investigations, and regulatory compliance.
Strong knowledge of employment matters involving ADA accommodations, FMLA and other leaves, terminations, reductions in force, performance management, workplace investigations, and employee relations.
Experience providing practical, strategic legal advice in a business environment.
Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to evaluate complex situations and develop clear, concise, and effective legal solutions.
Strong interpersonal, influencing, and collaboration skills.
Professional judgment, integrity, discretion, and ability to anticipate legal issues and organizational risks.
Business and financial acumen, with an understanding of how legal decisions affect organizational operations and objectives.
Juris Doctor (required).

Responsibilities

Advise organizational leadership and Human Resources on employment and labor matters, including hiring, physician recruitment and contracting, performance management, discipline, termination, discrimination, harassment, accommodations, and workforce restructuring.
Oversee employment-related litigation, administrative charges, disputes, and government investigations, coordinating case strategy, resolution, and settlement with internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
Provide legal guidance on internal investigations, employment disputes, and strategies to prevent and mitigate employment-related risk.
Serve as the primary liaison with outside employment and labor counsel, collaborating on litigation defense, case management, negotiations, and legal strategy.
Work with Risk Management and the captive insurance program to evaluate potential employment claims and lawsuits, manage defense strategies, and support appropriate resolutions.
Advise on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including OFCCP requirements, Affirmative Action Plans, wage and hour regulations, and other applicable legal obligations.
Coordinate responses to investigations, audits, inquiries, and proceedings involving agencies such as the EEOC, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and U.S. Department of Labor.
Prepare, review, and negotiate employment agreements, physician employment agreements, severance and separation agreements, settlement agreements, contracts, legal memoranda, and other legal documents.
Provide employment-related legal guidance involving physicians and other healthcare professionals in collaboration with medical staff, Human Resources, and operational leaders.
Create and deliver training on employment law, regulatory compliance, emerging legal issues, and effective workplace practices.
Monitor changes in employment law, healthcare regulations, and industry trends to help ensure appropriate legal strategies and practices.
Partner with leaders across functional areas to address reputational, financial, operational, and legal risks while advancing organizational priorities.
Protect attorney-client privilege and sensitive organizational information in accordance with applicable ethical and legal requirements.