Lead Counsel, Employment and Investigations

Who We Are and What We Do

Corteva Agriscience, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a leading global agricultural company focused on enriching lives through science and technology. We provide innovative solutions for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, and other critical areas to support the world's growing population. Corteva is currently seeking a Lead Counsel, Employment & Investigations.

About the Role

This position provides leadership, expertise, and counsel to senior management and business unit teams on a range of labor and employment related matters, including hiring, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, terminations, reductions in force (RIFs), workplace concerns, internal investigations, disciplinary issues, restrictive covenants, wage and hour, compensation, employee benefits, and relevant federal/state/local employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Corteva People team and other key business partners, providing practical advice and counseling in employment related matters, including hiring, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, terminations, reductions in force (RIFs), workplace concerns, internal investigations, disciplinary issues, restrictive covenants, wage and hour, compensation, employee benefits, and relevant federal/state/local employment laws.
• Vet proposed terminations and consult with human resource professionals and business leaders to devise and articulate selection criteria for RIFs, exit incentives and early retirement programs.
• Draft, review and/or negotiate employment and separation agreements, offer letters, restrictive covenants, NDAs, consulting terms, and other employment-related contracts.
• Address issues relating to federal, state and local employment laws including ERISA, Age Discrimination In Employment Act, Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, and Paid Leave.
• Coordinate with outside and regional inside counsel to provide guidance on the development and implementation of employment practices that have a global application, as well as on matters relating to non-employee staffing.
• Manage and participate in active Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Labor (DOL), Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and state agency inquiries and proceedings as well as active disputes alleging violations of various state and federal employment statutes, including Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, the FLSA, and the FMLA.
• Handle risk assessment and negotiation of employee claims.
• Conduct and/or support sensitive ethics & compliance and human resource investigations relating to alleged violations of the firm policies or unlawful behavior.
• Serve on internal company committees reporting on and recommending actions with respect to investigations and employee discipline.

Requirements

• Must have a law degree and be a practicing attorney in good standing with at least 5 years of regular experience handling employment matters and advising and supporting privileged investigations.
• Juris Doctor degree and licensed attorney in good standing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent judgment and able to incorporate the company’s risk appetite into their decision making.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with clients, colleagues, regulators, and counsel at every level and region.
• Strategic, analytical thinker and creative problem solver.
• Strong working knowledge of privilege practices to facilitate internal investigations.
• Ability to work independently and manage high-volume case load.

Benefits

Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place. Corteva offers numerous development opportunities to build your skills, health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment, four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays, excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father, future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program, and learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits. Check out life at Corteva!