Sr. Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation

American Heart Association•Dallas, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us. The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation in our Legal department! This position will work in a hybrid setting (in-office at least two (2) days per week) at our National Center office in Dallas, TX. The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally. #TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one state, preferably Texas.
Minimum eight (8) years of experience.
Minimum travel local and overnight stay.

Nice To Haves

First chair experience handling employment hearings or trials will give the candidate an advantage; other first chair trial experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Subject matter expert responsible for providing expert legal advice and services to support the decisions, plans, and activities of the organization. Serves as the primary legal resource on employment matters and practices for the association and oversight of general litigation matters. Provides resolution of business or technical issues by identifying legal solutions and recommending a course of action.
Provides expert, day-to-day legal counsel to HR, business leaders, and executives on employment law matters across the Association, on hiring, discipline, performance management, leave, separation, accommodations, ADA accessibility, job duties, reduction in force, labor law, and regulatory compliance while staying current with nationwide legal developments affecting employment practices.
Manages and directs outside counsel for employment-related and general civil litigation, administrative charges, and investigations, and advises Association management on general litigation, dispute resolution, civil and administrative law matters throughout the United States, including making recommendations to General Counsel on strategy, budget, pleadings, settlement terms, and oversight of discovery and trial preparation.
Builds strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the Association, attends strategic meetings to identify emerging legal issues, provides legal input to decision-makers, and communicates effectively and promptly with staff at all levels. Conduct legal training for teams as needed.
Leads internal fact-finding and legal analysis for workplace investigations (complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation), and drafts investigation reports and recommended actions. Research legal issues and prepare legal opinions, guidelines, and recommendations regarding specific issues or courses of action, including conducting internal investigations and advising the General Counsel on employment and litigation matters.
Ensures compliance with preservation obligations for information relevant to current or reasonably anticipated litigation in all subject areas and maintains adherence to all regulatory requirements affecting the Association's employment practices.
In addition to labor and employment legal expertise noted above, possesses working knowledge of general corporate and administrative areas of law, including contract, property and intellectual property, business and corporation law. Experience working in or working knowledge of rules applicable to public charities is a plus.
Counsel on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., discrimination laws, FMLA, ADA, wage and hour, leave laws, paid sick leave, and other jurisdictional requirements) and monitor changes in the law that affect the business.
Partner with HR to design and deliver training for managers and HR on employment-law topics, best practices, and investigation techniques.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope and responsibility of the job level and family.

Benefits

Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume