What are the responsibilities and job description for the In-House Counsel – HR and Litigation Lawyer position at Amalgamated Bank of NY?
Amalgamated Bank is seeking a skilled and experienced In-House Counsel to join our legal team and provide expert guidance on all matters related to human resources (HR) and labor & employment law in the financial services industry. The ideal candidate will have 5 to 10 years of experience in employment law, with a strong understanding of employee and labor relations, compliance, and workplace policies. Experience working with unionized employees is highly desirable. This hybrid role reports 3 days on-site to our NYC headquarters.
By joining our team, you’ll be joining a Bank that believes that maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected is essential for us to grow as a company. We are dedicated to building a more equitable world in our everyday practices by embracing the values of our employees and customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide legal counsel and strategic advice on HR and employment-related issues, including hiring, termination, benefits, workplace policies, and compliance.
- Advise on labor relations matters, including contract negotiation, interpretation, and disputes, particularly in unionized environments.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, such as FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and wage/hour laws.
- Partner with HR leadership to develop, review, and implement workplace policies and procedures, including the Employee Handbook.
- Manage and resolve employment disputes, including handling grievances, arbitrations, and investigations of employee complaints.
- Represent the company in employment litigation and before regulatory agencies (e.g., EEOC, NLRB, or state labor boards).
- Conduct training sessions for HR professionals, managers, and supervisors on compliance, labor law, and best practices.
- Collaborate with external counsel when necessary and oversee their work to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Monitor changes in employment laws and regulations, assess their impact on the organization, and recommend necessary changes to policies and practices.
- Work with the Company’s DEI office.
- Work with the Company’s Sustainability office.
- Responsible for the Company’s litigation portfolio including shareholder litigation.
- Responsible for the Company’s insurance program.
- Review contracts and other general corporate matters.
- Other tasks as requested.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law and in good standing with the relevant state bar.
- 5 to 10 years of legal experience specializing in employment law.
- Experience with unionized workplaces and labor law is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of employment regulations, including EEO, FMLA, FLSA, and NLRA, including California and New York employment laws and regulations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
- Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
- Experience conducting internal investigations and managing litigation.
- Litigation experience.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience as in-house counsel or with a law firm handling corporate clients.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with HR, management, and employees.
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting base salary for this role is between $170,500.00 – $190,500.00. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferrable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Amalgamated Bank is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, Minorities / Females / Individuals with Disability / Veterans. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. View our Pay Transparency Statement. Submission of a resume or any information regarding your qualifications does not constitute a promise or offer of employment. At Amalgamated Bank, we consider an applicant to be someone who has interviewed at least once, in person, with the hiring manager. Amalgamated Bank does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Salary : $170,500 - $190,500
