Senior Counsel, Employment & Litigation

KeHE Distributors, LLC•Naperville, IL

21h

About The Position

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.
Active membership in the Illinois State Bar required.
7-10 years of experience practicing employment law, with a strong emphasis on law firm experience required.
Experience with litigation law including handling employment-related disputes and representing clients before administrative agencies or courts.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills including the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal professionals.
Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate high ethical standards.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and collaborate across departments.
Demonstrated expertise in multi-site employment law matters, with a deep understanding of California employment laws and regulations.
Excellent understanding of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and guidelines, with a particular emphasis on California labor law.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical and strategic legal advice.

Nice To Haves

In-house law experience is a plus.
Proficiency in immigration law with experience advising on immigration-related employment matters such as visas, work permits, and I-9 compliance is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provides expert legal counsel to the company on matters related to employment law and other related matters across multiple sites.
Handles a caseload of employment and other disputes, including but not limited to discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, retaliation claims, and employment contract disputes.
Develops, reviews, and updates company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with prevailing labor laws at the local, state, and federal levels.
Conducts internal investigations into complaints and allegations of misconduct, ensuring fair and impartial handling of each case, and recommending appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary.
Provides guidance and support to HR professionals and management teams in handling employee relations matters, including but not limited to performance management, disciplinary action, and terminations.
Reviews and negotiates employment contracts, severance agreements, and other employment-related agreements, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protecting company interests.
Stays up to date with changes in employment laws and regulations, monitors relevant case law and legal developments, and provides proactive advice to management on potential impacts and necessary adaptations.
Works closely with internal stakeholders, including HR, leadership, and outside counsel, to provide legal guidance on day-to-day employment matters and ensure consistent compliance with employment laws.
Other duties and projects as assigned.