Sr. Legal Counsel, Employment

Rakuten•San Mateo, CA

3d•$113,157 - $211,032•Onsite

About The Position

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment. We create products and services that provide exceptional value by aligning members and the businesses that want to engage them in a shared community. You will serve as an established and productive individual contributor, managing defined components of legal projects or processes within your area of responsibility. You will apply practical knowledge of corporate and financial law to support the company's business operations in the online retail broker industry. You will be responsible for providing legal counsel on a variety of legal matters, analyzing risks, drafting legal documents, and ensuring compliance. You may collaborate with other departments, and occasionally manage smaller projects or initiatives, contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal function.

Requirements

Broad background in providing advice and counsel to human resources and operating business managers in complex employment related matters
Employment litigation experience, firm and in-house experience
Experience interfacing with government and/or labor and employment agencies which maintain jurisdiction over employment and related legal matters
Experience with cutting-edge employment and labor-related policies, programs and systems, and up-to-date knowledge of labor and employment issues and case law
Strong leadership skills and good judgment, and the ability to think strategically both from a business and legal perspective
Ability to foster relationships and individual accountability across the organization
Excellent conflict management skills, and ability to influence without coercion
Proven written and oral communication and negotiating skills
Ability to expeditiously identify and analyze issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices and reason
Ability to work under pressure
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and to facilitate the implementation of creative solutions
Ability to work independently and take ownership of and effectively resolve problems
5 - 8 years’ experience as a practicing attorney
at least 6 years’ experience in labor and employment
Bachelor's Degree Required
J.D. degree
Active state bar membership (required for the jurisdiction in which the attorney practices) Upon Hire Required

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree Preferred

Responsibilities

Provide labor and employment law support in the United States (with particular focus in California), Canada, Brazil, Europe, Australia, Singapore and other regions as assigned
Take the lead in the strategy and development of legally sound policies and programs in all areas of employment law, including equal employment opportunity, accommodations, pay equity and pay transparency initiatives, family and medical leave, talent acquisition, employee data privacy, contingent workforce, joint employment, wage and hour compliance, immigration, use of artificial intelligence in employment arenas, and acquisitions/divestitures/restructuring due diligence and post-merger integration
Partner with Human Resources and business managers to provide timely, ongoing, thoughtful and thorough legal counsel and strategic guidance related to the management of employee relations issues, such as performance management, employee misconduct and workplace investigations
Lead internal investigations into employee complaints received through company helpline
Manage employment litigation including retention and direction of outside counsel and partnership with applicable Employment Practices Liability insurance carriers
Support business during strategic restructurings and reductions in force when necessary
Conduct commercial review of HR related contracts including those for benefit providers
Draft and manage intercompany agreements for secondment of workers
Evaluate and provide strategic and tactical advice to manage attorney demand letters, complaints, and other employment claims, developing legally sound strategies for the Company's defense of such actions, and negotiating and drafting settlements
Actively monitor trends and analyze labor and employment laws and regulations to develop policy recommendations in partnership with Human Resources
Provide advice and guidance on pending law changes while creating proactive strategies to ensure compliance
Perform risk assessments related to proposed initiatives, corporate activities and industry developments, recommending alternative courses of action to achieve business objectives while limiting liability and risk
Maintain in depth knowledge of Company policies, federal and state legislation
Educate and train Human Resources professionals, operating business managers and others on trends and legal actions which may affect the workplace through written materials or training seminars
Partner with attorneys in the department to address Company-wide employment issues
Support other litigation and legal functions, as needed.