Employment Counsel Office of the General Counsel, New York Office
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier international law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Debevoise clients engage our lawyers for the high degree of quality, strategic focus and creativity we bring to our legal advice. Our talented administrative and legal support staff bring the same commitment to their work, ensuring the firm delivers the highest level of service and a distinctive client experience. We attract and retain highly skilled and dedicated staff by providing a work environment that is diverse, collaborative, respectful and collegial, and where professional growth is encouraged and nurtured. The Office of the General Counsel at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is seeking to hire an Employment Counsel to provide advice and counsel to the firm’s management and its Human Resources and Professional Development staff across its U.S. and global offices.
The attorney in this role will report to the firm’s General Counsel, and will be responsible for assisting in the management and handling of all employment related matters in the firm. This Role operates on a hybrid schedule, including three (3) in-person days in the New York, NY Office per week. Travel to the firm’s various other office locations may be required.
RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:
Providing proactive employment law advice, assistance and counseling on a broad range of employment practice matters such as discrimination/harassment, internal investigations, employee discipline/involuntary terminations, and jurisdictional regulations
Conducting internal investigations in employment matters
Collaborating with management, Human Resources and Professional Development staff to help manage and respond to employee relations issues
Reviewing/drafting employee-related policies and procedures across multiple global jurisdictions
Recommending, implementing and continuously improving employment law related trainings
Providing consultation and oversight on international employment matters
Reviewing disciplinary actions and terminations with management
Preparing release agreements for terminating employees
Assisting with employment law litigation matters, including responses to administrative complaints and investigations
Managing and supervising outside counsel, as required
QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified candidates will have a J.D. degree; admission to practice in New York, California or Washington, D.C.; and a minimum of seven years of employment practice experience in a law firm or in-house setting. International employment law exposure is a plus. In addition, specific experience that would be desirable includes:
Excellent knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations (including New York, California and Washington D.C.)
Defending Title VII, ADEA, ADA and state discrimination/retaliation matters, including the preparation of position statements and representing clients before the EEOC and state and local agencies
Advising on performance management and performance-related and cause terminations
Advising on reasonable accommodation and leave issues
Monitoring and advising on the rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment, particularly at the state and local levels, including, by way of example only, sexual harassment, background checks, diversity, pay transparency and leave laws
Conducting employment-related investigations
Advising on compliance with and defending wage/hour matters
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to work proactively, independently and reliably under tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team as well as cross-functionally across Human Resources, Professional Development and Office of the General Counsel
Excellent judgment and ability to weigh risks, develop reasoned recommendations, including risk mitigation strategies, and to provide sound legal advice
Excellent oral communication, including the ability to communicate independently and confidently with senior partners and other professional management of the firm
Comfort implementing new programs, procedures and challenging current processes
Strong analytical capabilities and judgment
Outstanding written communication skills
Excellent training and presentation skills
TO APPLY: When applying please specify where you saw this position posted for tracking purposes. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other legally protected category in accordance with U.S. law