Employment Attorney

Yum!•Irvine, CA

1d•$180,000 - $195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Taco Bell is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department. The position provides strategic, business-focused legal counsel and support on a broad range of employment, labor, and employee relations matters across the organization. The attorney partners closely with People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders to proactively manage legal risk while supporting business objectives and Taco Bell’s Live Más culture. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor, offering practical, solution-oriented advice and navigating complex employment issues in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The role reports to the Senior Director, Legal.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Licensed member in good standing of a State Bar.
8+ years of employment law experience, including advising HR and business leaders on complex workplace matters.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including California employment law.
Proven experience managing employment litigation, government agency matters, and outside counsel.
Ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice while balancing risk and business objectives.
Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to influence across all organizational levels in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

California Bar admission is preferred.
Working knowledge of traditional labor law sufficient to identify risks, provide practical guidance, and partner effectively with outside counsel; deep subject-matter expertise is not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead U.S. employment law advisor to People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders on employee relations matters, including investigations, accommodations, leave management, wage and hour issues, performance management, and separations.
Develop and oversee the company’s traditional labor strategy, including advising on union organizing activity and campaigns, supporting response strategies, and managing outside labor counsel.
Partner with senior leaders on organizational changes, workforce planning, restructures, and other high-impact business decisions, balancing legal risk with practical business solutions.
Lead responses to employment-related claims, agency charges, investigations, subpoenas, demand letters, and pre-litigation matters; manage outside counsel and litigation strategy.
Develop, review, and implement employment-related policies, procedures, training, and compliance programs.
Monitor and advise on federal, state, and local employment law developments, translating legal requirements into actionable guidance and best practices.
Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor, influencing enterprise-wide employment practices and providing thought leadership on complex workplace issues.
Lead cross-functional initiatives and complex legal projects, building relationships across Legal, People & Culture, and business teams to drive alignment and results.
Mentor and develop junior legal team members and business partners while fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and modeling Taco Bell’s Live Más culture.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule with onsite expectations Tuesday through Thursday and a year-round flex-day Friday.
Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons.
Onsite dining center and game room, including a Taco Bell inside the building.
Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, and carwash.
Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions.
Up to four weeks of vacation per year, plus holidays and time off for volunteering.
Generous parental leave for all new parents.
Adoption assistance program.
401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands and immediate vesting.
Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care.
Discounts, free food, and swag.
Annual salary range of $180,000 to $195,000, plus bonus eligibility and benefits.