Sr. Legal Counsel, Employment

Rakuten•San Mateo, CA

10d•$113,157 - $211,032

About The Position

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global technology company headquartered in San Mateo, California, with more than 4,000 employees worldwide and businesses in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications, and entertainment. The Senior Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment is an established and productive individual contributor who manages defined components of legal projects and processes and applies practical legal knowledge to support business operations. The role serves as a trusted legal partner to Human Resources and business leaders across the global workforce. It leads U.S. employment law matters, particularly in California; manages employment litigation and workplace investigations; and works with local counsel to support teams in Canada, Brazil, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and other regions as assigned. The counsel also advises on emerging matters such as pay transparency and the use of artificial intelligence in employment decisions.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience as a practicing attorney focused on labor and employment law.
J.D. degree.
Active bar membership in good standing in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice, required upon hire.
Broad experience advising and counseling Human Resources and operating business managers on complex employment matters.
Employment litigation experience.
Up-to-date knowledge of labor and employment issues and case law.
Strong leadership skills and sound judgment, with the ability to think strategically from both business and legal perspectives.
Ability to build trusted relationships across the organization.
Excellent conflict-management skills and the ability to influence others and build consensus.
Proven written, oral communication, and negotiation skills.
Ability to identify and analyze issues quickly and provide practical, legally sound recommendations that support business goals.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of issues through resolution.

Nice To Haves

Employment litigation experience at both a law firm and in-house.
Experience working with government agencies that oversee employment matters, such as the EEOC, DOL, or California Civil Rights Department.
Experience advising on employment matters across multiple countries.
California bar admission or eligibility to register as California Registered In-House Counsel.

Responsibilities

Lead labor and employment law support in the United States, particularly California, and partner with local counsel to support Canada, Brazil, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and other regions as assigned.
Lead the strategy and development of legally sound employment policies and programs, including equal employment opportunity, accommodations, pay equity and pay transparency, family and medical leave, talent acquisition, employee data privacy, contingent workforce, joint employment, wage and hour compliance, immigration, and artificial intelligence in employment decisions.
Advise Human Resources and business managers on employee relations matters, including performance management and employee misconduct.
Lead internal investigations into employee complaints, including complaints received through the company helpline.
Manage employment litigation, including retaining and directing outside counsel and partnering with applicable Employment Practices Liability insurance carriers.
Support strategic restructurings, reductions in force, acquisitions, and divestitures, including due diligence and post-merger integration.
Review HR-related commercial contracts, including benefit-provider contracts, and draft and manage intercompany worker-secondment agreements.
Evaluate and respond to attorney demand letters, agency charges, complaints, and other employment claims; develop defense strategies and negotiate and draft settlements.
Monitor and analyze labor and employment law developments, including pending legal changes, and partner with Human Resources on proactive compliance strategies and policy recommendations.
Conduct risk assessments related to proposed initiatives, corporate activities, and industry developments, recommending alternatives to achieve business objectives while limiting liability and risk.
Develop and deliver employment-law training for Human Resources professionals, business managers, and others.
Partner with attorneys across the Legal department on company-wide employment issues and support other litigation and legal functions as needed.