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 our corporate philosophy of Kyosei.

Responsibilities

• 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 appropriate remedial action.
• Advise business units on employment law matters impacting customer and vendor relationships and agreements.
• Conduct witness interviews, draft pleadings and agency submissions, handle motion practice, draft employment-related contracts, prepare employment policies, conduct and oversee settlement negotiations, and participate in mediations.
• Supervise outside counsel on employment litigation matters.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (preferably New York).
• Minimum of 5-8 years of related experience, with at least 3-5 years of experience practicing employment law, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience.
• 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.
• 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.

Schedule

This position is full time and offers a hybrid work schedule requiring you to be in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with an option to work from home the remainder of the week (unless a specific business need arises requiring in-office attendance on other days). Note that work schedules and office reporting requirements may change from time to time based on business needs.

Pay

Anticipated salary range for this role: $126,330 - $189,180 annually.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with discretionary profit sharing and success sharing.
• Educational assistance and recognition programs.
• Vacation and paid time off.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Employee discounts.
• “Dress for Your Day” attire program (casual is welcome, based on your job function).
• Volunteer opportunities to give back to the local community.
• Canon welcome kit and official merchandise.