Senior Counsel

Duke Energy Corporation•Cincinnati, OH

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Legal group seeks to prevent issues from escalating by providing proactive advice and counsel on compliance with labor and employment laws. The group also seeks to ensure that workplace disputes are defensible when litigation does arise, and to resolve matters raised in administrative agency proceedings, arbitrations, negotiations, and other means outside of litigation. HR Legal is a trusted partner with the business at a strategic level while handling a high volume of daily workload with minimal use of outside counsel. Senior Counsel - An attorney with significant experience and maturity who works under the direction of a Deputy General Counsel or Associate General Counsel on defined legal problems or legal problems lacking clear precedent which require the application of specialized expertise. The incumbent handles litigation and administrative matters and addresses legal problems and concerns arising out of the day-to-day functions of the company. Works on non-routine matters which require a broad and thorough understanding of the Company’s business and industry. Handles contracts, appellate activity, and other commercial documents which allows the Company to operate efficiently within the boundaries of the law. Perform complex assignments, using legal research, analytical and writing skills Provide legal advice to management regarding matters of some complexity which may have a material dollar impact on business operations Research legal principles and precedents, consult with outside counsel, draft and execute legal documents, and gather relevant case information using multiple sources and methods.

Requirements

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (JD) from an accredited law school
Minimum of Three (3) or more years of experience practicing law
Licensed to practice law in Ohio or Licensed to practice in any state in the US and eligible for admission under Ohio bar rules
Excellent analytical and communication skills (verbally and in writing) and ability to effectively collaborate in a team environment, take ownership of projects, and demonstrate independence needed to effectively and timely complete projects.
Ability to draft documents, correspondence, memos and policies in a concise manner.
Strong, effective communication and interpersonal skills
Self-motivated, organized, detailed oriented and committed to assisting Duke Energy meet the enterprise’s labor and employment and compliance needs.
Must have advanced breadth and depth of practical and academic knowledge of federal and state employment laws/regulations, with demonstrated working knowledge of issues related to the EEOC, FLSA, FMLA, NLRB, ADEA, OFCCP, ADA, Title VII, WARN, discrimination and equal pay claims.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills and substantial experience delivering advice and counsel to business unit clients, including HR.
Must possess ability to collaborate as an effective member of the team
Excellent work product and attention to detail
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of experience in labor and employment law, with preference for demonstrated traditional labor law and defense experience
Experience with internal investigations, administrative agency charges (EEOC, DOL, state administrative agencies, NLRB, etc.), management training, attorney demand letters, labor arbitrations, collective bargaining negotiations and contract interpretation, work stoppage planning, contingent workers and security issues
Prior litigation background is preferred
Ability to take initiative and work independently
Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously
Ability to build consensus

Responsibilities

Provide labor and employment law advice to HR and management regarding matters of complexity which may have a significant dollar impact on business operations
Perform complex assignments and draft legal documents, using legal research, analytical and writing skills
Handles administrative agency matters and represents the Company at arbitration hearings, including witness examination and post-hearing briefs.
Establish and develop effective working relationships with internal and external clients and stakeholders
Coordinates and collaborates on litigation and/or regulatory matters that have various areas of overlap within the business
Advice and counsel on compliance matters relevant to labor and employment law matters at all levels of the organization. Tactical and strategic
Proactive training and strategic guidance to HR, management and leadership across the company on developments in employment and labor law.
Collaborate with Legal team members on matters that have labor and employment issues to advise the business units, develop strategies to address and/or mitigate legal risk.