Employment Counsel

About the Role

Canon U.S.A., Inc. in Melville, NY is seeking an experienced Employment Counsel to provide practical, business-focused legal advice regarding a wide range of employment matters nationally for Canon U.S.A., Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries. This role partners closely with Human Resources and cross-functional business groups to mitigate risk and support a workplace that aligns with the corporate philosophy of Kyosei.

Your Impact

• Provide legal advice to the Company and its domestic subsidiaries nationally on employment-related litigation and agency matters, as well as federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules, and orders
• Serve as a subject matter expert for employment matters nationally
• Partner closely with Human Resources and business leaders to provide day-to-day legal guidance regarding the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, employee relations, leaves of absence, accommodations, OSHA and related safety matters, corrective actions and terminations
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on hiring practices, offer letters, background checks, onboarding issues, and contingent workforce considerations, including advising on and drafting recruitment and HR-related agreements
• Draft, review and negotiate separation, severance, and release agreements in connection with reorganizations and reductions in force
• Partner with Human Resources to train and/or develop personnel training on employment law topics, policy interpretation and best practices to reduce risk and promote consistency
• Manage and oversee employment-related litigation, agency charges, audits, and investigations (including EEOC, DOL and other federal, state and local agencies) in coordination with outside counsel where appropriate
• Advise Human Resources on internal investigations and on appropriate remedial action
• Advise business units on employment law matters impacting customer and vendor relationships and agreements

About You

Skills & Expertise

• Requires a Juris Doctor and admission to a state bar (preferably New York)
• Minimum of 5–8 years of related experience
• Candidate must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar
• At least 3–5 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience
• Confident attorney with demonstrated experience managing a broad range of legal issues and interacting closely with business leaders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion when handling sensitive or high-stakes issues; demonstrated ability to think both creatively and strategically
• Strong track record of working effectively with senior Human Resources professionals and business leaders, applying well-developed intellectual, analytical, and problem-solving skills to build alignment and consensus
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate at all levels within an organization, including diverse and international teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, respond effectively to challenges, and maintain the highest standards of ethics and integrity

Pay

$126,330 – $189,180 annually

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; option to work from home Thursday and Friday unless a specific business need arises requiring in-office attendance on other days. Work schedules and office reporting requirements may change from time to time based on business needs.