Senior Employment Law & HR Compliance Legal Counsel

San Diego Association of Governments • San Diego, CA

3d

About The Position

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking a specialized Counsel (reporting to the General Counsel) to focus exclusively on the complex landscape of employment law and human resources. This is a critical role for a legal professional who excels at proactive risk management. In this position, you will move beyond high-level advice to become a hands-on architect of our workplace culture, ensuring that every stage of the employee lifecycle—from the first interview to post-employment—is legally sound and ethically grounded. The Office of General Counsel, working in close collaboration with members of the Executive Office and employees throughout the organization, has a reputation for providing outstanding legal advice and partnering on projects and initiatives that contribute to the overall success of the agency. SANDAG functions in a complex environment and the Legal team is known for being innovative and proactive in facilitating decisions that support achievement of the agency’s goals.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing employment law.
• Deep knowledge of Title VII, the ADEA, and state-specific employment codes.
• A firm grasp of Constitutional Law as it pertains to public employment (e.g., First Amendment retaliation claims and Fourth Amendment privacy expectations).
• Ability to mediate internal disputes and facilitate difficult conversations between management and staff.
• Confidence in presenting legal risks and policy recommendations to a Board of Directors or elected officials.
• The skill to dissect complex statutes and apply them to the nuances of public service operations.
• Absolute integrity in handling highly sensitive personnel records and confidential investigations.
• Experience performing and coordinating supervisory and advanced level professional, analytical, and administrative duties for assigned Office of General Counsel programs, services, and activities.
• Experience providing comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance for complex, multi-phase organizational initiatives and long-term projects.
• Experience developing and composing draft state, federal, and local legislation.
• The final candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and credit check.
• Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with a mix of private firm defense and public agency experience are highly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Audit and overhaul agency-wide practices to ensure strict adherence to the FLSA (exempt/non-exempt classifications), FMLA/CFRA, and ADA/FEHA interactive processes.
• Serve as primary counsel in defending the agency against claims filed with the EEOC, DLSE, or equivalent state civil rights departments.
• Provide direct legal oversight for complex disability requests, ensuring the agency meets its "good faith" obligations while maintaining operational standards.
• Guide management through the legal requirements of public sector discipline, including advising on administrative evidentiary hearings.
• Assist with high-level privileged investigations into sensitive allegations of discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, or misconduct.
• Develop and deliver customized legal training for supervisors on implicit bias, harassment prevention, and documentation best practices to mitigate litigation risk before it starts.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll practices, meal and rest break compliance, and independent contractor classifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree