What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Counsel position at Hearthside Foods Talent Acquisition Team?
JOB SUMMARY
This role is pivotal in supporting our employment practices and maintaining effective employee relations across our diverse workforce. With oversight by the Director of Legal Affairs, the Associate Counsel will provide research and investigatory support, taking direct responsibility for many agency charges. This role will have direct internal client interaction.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate closely with the Director of Legal Affairs, compliance leaders, HR professionals, and plant leadership teams.
Investigate and prepare initial position statements for low-to-moderate-risk discrimination charges and internal employee complaints.
Maintain litigation calendar, docket, and deliverables on low-to-moderate litigated matters.
Directly interact with Worker’s Compensation claims handlers on non-litigated claims management.
Research and prepare guidance on various employment-related questions, including wage & hour law, WARN Act, traditional labor, and pre-hire testing and background checks.
First-pass review of outside recruiter agreements.
Draft and review documents for HR team, including offer letters and disciplinary talking points.
Participate in HR policy and procedure reviews, and prepare initial drafts of internal process guidance.
Participate in training sessions for HR and management teams on labor relations and employment law compliance.
Monitor and communicate changes in labor and HR law trends and regulations to internal stakeholders.
KEY COMPETENCIES / WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU
Strong understanding of state and federal employment laws, regulations, and compliance issues.
Knowledge of Ontario and Canadian employment laws strongly favored.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across various levels of the organization.
Aptitude in legal research and issue spotting.
Desire to learn new areas of the law, including occupational safety & insurance law.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365 and related software.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Admission to the bar in at least one state.
3 to 5 years of legal experience focused on labor and employment counseling, worker’s compensation defense, or a combination of the two, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
#LI-JS2 #LI-Hybrid
