Director, Assistant General Counsel, Employment

About the role

Etsy is seeking a business-savvy employment lawyer with a people-first approach to join its Legal team. This is an opportunity to provide innovative legal advice to a global public tech company with a distinctive mission.

Responsibilities

• Advise and execute on a variety of employment-related legal strategies across hiring, offer letters, separation agreements, terminations, training, contractor agreements, and accommodations, partnering with business leaders and HR at every stage.
• Oversee and advise on employee-related internal investigations and employment litigation including responses to demand letters and agency complaints, tribunal matters, conciliations, and audits (U.S.: EEOC, DOL; Ireland: Workplace Relations Commission, Labour Court; Mexico: STPS, Centro Federal de Conciliación y Registro Laboral; Canada: CHRC, CIRB, provincial human rights tribunals; India: Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals) and related investigations.
• Advises on and sometimes oversees disciplinary matters, grievance procedures, Data Subject Access Requests (DSAR) under the GDPR.
• Monitor trends and developments in labor and employment law and HR best practices and translate them into updated processes, policies, templates, and training materials for Etsy.
• Collaborate and set expectations with outside counsel (while the assumption remains that you're a hands-on experienced “doer,” and will only need outside counsel advice on edge cases and in jurisdictions where you are not admitted).
• Support Legal department and team related projects, as needed.
• Be a strong, collaborative, communicative partner to your colleagues on the Legal team, the HR team and leaders across the organization.

Requirements

• 5+ years of employment law experience across a broad range of issues for global companies. EU experience required; Ireland, Mexico, Canada, and/or India experience a plus.
• JD, admission to a state bar (NY or CA), and eligibility to work in-house in New York. Admission to practice in Ireland preferred; Mexico admission and Spanish fluency a plus.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects from conception to completion, often with limited support.
• Experience as primary client contact across investigations, regulatory interactions, training delivery, and legal project management.
• Outstanding communicator — verbally and in writing — across audiences ranging from technical experts to business leaders, without relying on legal jargon. Able to give clear, real-time advice and produce polished presentations and written materials.
• Able to give clear, real-time advice and produce polished presentations and written materials.
• Comfortable with and curious about technology, including emerging AI tools.
• Some employment litigation experience, including e-discovery.
• A true great teammate: quick to volunteer, motivated by new projects, unafraid to ask or answer questions, and ready to step up when a colleague needs support.
• Strong multitasker with excellent time management and accountability.
• Business-first approach that balances legal risk with strategic and operational considerations.
• Genuine passion for Etsy's mission to keep human connection at the heart of commerce.

Qualifications

• Admission to practice in Ireland preferred; Mexico admission and Spanish fluency a plus.
• Experience as primary client contact across investigations, regulatory interactions, training delivery, and legal project management.
• Outstanding communicator — verbally and in writing — across audiences ranging from technical experts to business leaders, without relying on legal jargon. Able to give clear, real-time advice and produce polished presentations and written materials.
• Comfortable with and curious about technology, including emerging AI tools.
• Some employment litigation experience, including e-discovery.
• A true great teammate: quick to volunteer, motivated by new projects, unafraid to ask or answer questions, and ready to step up when a colleague needs support.
• Strong multitasker with excellent time management and accountability.
• Business-first approach that balances legal risk with strategic and operational considerations.
• Genuine passion for Etsy's mission to keep human connection at the heart of commerce.

Skills

• Employment law experience
• Ability to work independently and manage projects
• Excellent communication skills
• Technology and AI familiarity
• Experience with employment litigation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Passion for Etsy's mission

Benefits

Salary Range $186,000.00 - $242,000.00

Eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and our competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Etsy.

This role requires your presence in Etsy’s Brooklyn Office once or twice per week depending on your proximity to the office. Candidates living within commutable distance of Etsy’s Brooklyn Office Hub may be the first to be considered.

Learn more details about our work modes and workplace safety policies here.

Pay

$186,000.00 - $242,000.00

Schedule

Hybrid role based in Brooklyn, NY, with required in-office days.