Labor Law Counsel

JLL•Chicago, IL

2d•$120,000 - $145,000•Remote

About The Position

The Labor Law Counsel is an attorney-level role responsible for leading labor strategy and negotiation with labor unions as JLL's primary negotiator, including first generation and renewed collective bargaining agreements. As legal counsel, the Labor Law Counsel also assesses and resolves issues involving JLL's unionized workforce, serving as a strategic liaison between JLL management and union representatives while advising on risk mitigation across the AMR region. In addition to this core negotiation and strategy mandate, the role will manage union petitions, transitions involving unionized employee populations and provide legal advisory support to the HR function on day-to-day employee life cycle matters affecting the unionized workforce. This role partners closely with business line leadership and HR Centers of Excellence and plays a key role in building labor training programs, tools, templates, processes, and reference materials that strengthen JLL's labor relations capability firmwide.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) required, with active bar admission in good standing.
Bachelor's degree required.
At least three (3) years of professional experience in labor law and/or labor and employee relations.
Prior experience leading CBA negotiations is required.
Previous experience working with an hourly, unionized employee population is required.
Familiarity with labor and employment laws, with the ability to assess evidence and reach fair conclusions consistent with policies, work rules, and applicable laws.
Strong understanding of collective bargaining concepts and the grievance process.
Ability to read and apply the terms of a client's Master Service Agreement.
Experience presenting to large, diverse groups on varied and complex labor issues.
Ability to break down and communicate complex labor issues clearly to different levels of internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a diverse environment, handling sensitive situations with diplomacy, tact, and confidentiality.
Ability to prioritize work and respond to stakeholders in a timely, courteous manner.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Familiarity with matter management systems, as well as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

A concentration in Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Human Resource Administration, or a similar field is preferred.
Prior experience handling union petitions is preferred.
Prior experience managing transitions involving unionized employees is preferred.
Experience developing and leading training programs on labor and/or employment law topics.

Responsibilities

Prepares for and leads collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations and discussions.
Provides strategic counsel to senior executives, HR Business Partners, and HR leadership on complex, high-risk labor matters.
Identifies and resolves high-risk, complex union matters through recommended actions and oversight.
Serves as point of contact for outside counsel on arbitrations, litigation, and audits and may be required to manage internally.
Serves as legal advisor to the HR function on day-to-day labor relations issues, including hearings, grievances, and meetings.
Provides legal guidance to managers and HR partners on appropriate investigation techniques and considerations.
Ensures compliance with CBAs, company policies, and applicable laws for various stages of the employee life cycle, including onboarding, pay, disciplinary considerations, and termination.
Functions as a collaborative coach, providing guidance and support on labor relations matters.
Conducts training sessions on labor relations and employment law topics, including discipline, policies, mandated work rules, EEO, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and collective bargaining agreements.
Collaborates on evaluating and refining internal policies and processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Assists the Head of US Labor Law in creating, administering, and implementing the organization's labor relations strategies, initiatives, and programs, as needed.
Occasional travel may be required.