Senior Counsel, Employment

Summit Therapeutics Plc•Menlo Park, CA

About The Position

The Sr. Counsel, Employment will provide practical advice in a timely and responsive manner on a broad range of employment law issues, including hiring, benefits, employee relations, performance management, corrective action, termination, restructuring, leaves of absence, accommodations, and EEOC compliance across U.S. and international operations. This position will also conduct investigations, negotiate dispute resolutions, provide internal training and policy development & interpretation, and oversee employment litigation. This position reports to the SVP, General Counsel.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, and admitted to a US state bar in good standing
Minimum of 7+ years employment law experience, preferably with a national law firm and/or in-house experience
Experience in defending employment discrimination, EEOC/DOL, and wage and hour claims
Strong knowledge of employment law, HR policies, and compliance
Proven experience in litigation and dispute resolution
Excellent legal research, drafting, and writing skills
Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
Strong organizational and planning skills and meticulous attention to detail
Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to handle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound commercial and legal judgment
Must be flexible due to rapidly changing business environment for a growth company

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice/consultation on matters related to employee, human resources, and employment matters
Draft and review employment related documents such as offer letters, employment contracts, separation agreements, restrictive covenants, employee handbooks, SOPs, and objectives relative to employment law
Partner with HR & the business leaders for business-focused solutions that manage risk
Advise and train managers on employment law issues; such as corrective action, documentation practices, and performance improvement plans.
Review and negotiate human resources and employment related agreements, including benefits, ERISA, placement, agency/EOR, and employment agreements
Draft, review, negotiate G&A MSAs, SOWs, and Service Agreements, including Finance, IT, Facilities, and leases
Stay updated on changes in employment law to provide informed advice
Advise on and conduct, as necessary, workplace investigations, terminations, and corrective actions.
Partner with HR to develop strategies to mitigate litigation risks and proactively resolve disputes.
Advise on the administration, and compliance of retirement benefit plans, such as profit-sharing, 401(k), and welfare benefit plans
Advise on the resolution of compliance issues and other technical matters that arise in the day-to-day administration of employee benefit plans and programs
Manage and oversee employment related claims, litigation, arbitration, agency charges as well as outside counsel
Develop trusted partner relationships with stakeholders
Support global operations with international employment law issues, including cross-border compliance and expatriate assignments.
Handle miscellaneous legal tasks or special assignments on an as-needed basis