Employment Attorney

Teacher Retirement System of Texas•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Attorney provides legal counsel and support on employment law matters to Organizational Excellence staff and TRS management, delivers related training to staff, assists with defending the agency against employment claims, conducts legal research, provides general legal counsel and representation to executive management, and provides administrative law support as needed. The position also provides employment law and immigration support to TRS’s UK subsidiary, the Teacher Retirement Investment Company of Texas (TRICOT). The attorney works proactively with Legal & Compliance, Organizational Excellence, executive and agency staff, and TRICOT personnel. The role advises on employment matters including leave and accommodation requests, complaints and disputes, performance management, corrective actions, grievances, terminations, and other employment actions. It prepares and reviews legal documents, conducts and supports investigations, researches applicable laws and policies, assesses risk, assists with administrative actions and litigation, and provides employee training. For TRICOT, the role supports employment agreements and secondment documents, immigration and visa matters, policies, investigations, employment claims, and relevant UK employment law. The attorney also researches legislation and regulations, prepares memoranda and audit responses, coordinates work of legal support staff, and participates in special projects.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Five years of full-time, directly related, progressively responsible experience in employment law or related experience.
Licensed to practice law in Texas and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, or obtain a Texas law license within six months of hire; alternatively, hold a valid, active law license from another state and be eligible for Texas licensure under Board of Law Examiners Rule XIII, with a Texas license obtained within six months of hire.
Knowledge of legal issues and concepts relevant to employment law.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, USERRA, and related statutes.
Knowledge of legal research methods, statutory interpretation, and legal writing principles.
Knowledge of risk management, ethics, and compliance principles related to employment matters.
Knowledge of legal document drafting, contract review, and negotiation techniques.
Skill in conducting legal research and analysis and rendering advice based on sound legal judgment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including developing and advocating legal positions, advising, and preparing and presenting complex legal documents or reports.
Ability to analyze problems and devise effective solutions.
Ability to negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts.
Ability to use Windows-based computers and Microsoft Office and other business software, including electronic legal research tools.
Strong task management and organizational skills, including prioritizing a high-volume workload, meeting deadlines, and completing detailed work accurately in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Skill in handling litigation and/or administrative hearings, motion practice, discovery and e-discovery, and drafting pleadings, briefs, motions, and affidavits.
Ability to manage incident investigation teams composed of various stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours and travel as needed due to internal and external obligations.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, TRS staff, and external contacts.
Ability to work effectively in a professional team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with employment-law litigation in state and federal courts, including depositions, motion practice, and trial.
Experience providing legal advice on business immigration and visa matters.
Experience working at a large law firm or in-house in an employment-law, litigation, or international support role.
Experience communicating effectively and succinctly with high-level audiences, such as a governing board or executive management.
Knowledge of the Texas legislative process, open government laws, statutory interpretation and code construction, and public entity authority issues.
Experience supporting employment law and immigration matters for UK offices.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to Organizational Excellence and TRS managers on leave and accommodation requests, employee complaints and disputes, performance management, corrective actions, grievances, terminations, and other employment actions.
Prepare employment-related documents and legal briefs, including corrective actions, termination letters, and responses to the EEOC, Texas Workforce Commission, and Workers’ Compensation matters.
Assist with investigating employment-related concerns and resolving related matters.
Research and advise on federal and state employment laws, agency policies, rules, and regulations.
Assist with reviewing and updating employee-related policies and procedures.
Monitor and analyze employment law and regulations and advise managers on risks associated with claims before administrative agencies and hearings.
Assist in defending the agency in employment-related administrative actions and work with the Office of the Attorney General in defending TRS in federal and state court cases.
Evaluate and provide tactical and strategic advice on attorney demand letters, complaints, and other employment claims.
Deliver employee training on employment law, compliance topics, policies, and procedures as needed.
Create and maintain job aids, quizzes, and other documents supporting employment law training.
Support TRICOT with secondment letters, direct employment agreements, and related documents.
Assist with immigration matters, including visa applications for secondees and direct employees and maintaining immigration sponsorship licenses.
Draft, review, and update employment-related policies and procedures for international employment support.
Monitor and analyze international employment law and regulations, with a focus on the UK, and advise relevant TRS and TRICOT leaders on risks and legislative changes.
Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to TRICOT directors and managers on employment matters, including leave, accommodations, complaints, performance management, corrective actions, grievances, and terminations.
Assist with and coordinate investigations of employment-related concerns and support resolution of related matters for TRICOT.
Assist with and coordinate the defense of TRICOT in employment-related administrative actions and litigation.
Review proposed state or federal legislation and regulations and draft research memoranda for agency management.
Provide advice and assistance regarding applicable existing or proposed federal, state, and agency laws, rules, and policies.
Conduct legal research and analysis on assigned or referred matters, including matters involving other Legal & Compliance teams.
Assist with preparing audit inquiry responses on behalf of the agency.
Coordinate and review related work performed by legal assistants, specialists, and support staff.
Participate in special projects and perform related work as assigned.