Counsel - HR / People Team

Responsibilities

• Takes a leading role to advise Company’s People Team on various labor and employment topics, including employment handbooks, policies and procedures, background screening, team member relations, performance management, workforce reductions and terminations, internal investigations, leaves of absence and disability accommodations, compensation and benefits, discrimination, and harassment and retaliation.
• Maintain knowledge of significant labor and employment regulations, legislation, court decisions, and government enforcement activities and provide strategic recommendations for changes to Company practices.
• Advise Company’s business leaders and management teams regarding labor and employment lawsuit avoidance strategies as well as risk management, compliance, and operational inquiries.
• Handle employment litigation, including conducting investigations and preparing responses to claims arising under Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, as well as claims filed with the EEOC and state agencies.
• Aid in the development and implementation of employment policies, procedures, agreements, and separation strategies that support workforce planning, talent retention, and organizational objectives.
• Oversee the Company’s response to employment-related disputes by developing strategic resolutions that minimize risk and litigation costs.
• Manage outside counsel on employment litigation matters.
• Cover various legal projects as determined by senior legal leadership.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Five + years’ experience practicing labor and employment law on a full-time basis in a legal department of a medium or large financial institution, or with a major law firm.
• Admitted to practice, and in good standing with the bar of one of the states in our footprint, with preference given to Illinois, Indiana or Minnesota, or qualified to be registered to practice as in-house counsel in the applicable state.
• Ability to apply sound legal analysis and practical business judgment to legal matters.
• Ability to consult with and advise Company’s management at all levels.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver timely, high quality work product.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to work in-office within Company’s footprint and preferably in our Chicago, Evansville, Indianapolis, or Minneapolis/St. Paul markets.
• Knowledge of federal and applicable state laws and regulations relating to labor and employment.
• Familiarity with claims filed with the EEOC and state agencies.
• Experience with complex multi-state labor and employment issues.
• Experience with compensation and benefits at the team member and executive level.
• Ability to develop strategic resolutions that minimize risk and litigation costs.
• Ability to effectively communicate legal advice and engage with lines of business consistent with the Company’s culture and business strategy.