Manager - Employment Attorney

About the role

The Manager - Employment Attorney provides proactive legal advice and counsel to The Michaels Companies Inc., ensuring compliance with labor/employment regulations and resolving workplace disputes.

Responsibilities

• Advising and resolving issues such as wage and hour disputes, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, accommodation issues, ADA matters, associate relations issues, Department of Labor audits, etc.
• Drafting and reviewing litigation documents, including discovery, responding to, managing, and assisting with administrative claims and representing Michaels in mediations and administrative hearings.
• Developing strategy in arbitration disputes, court hearings, and trials in partnership with outside counsel.
• Managing labor and employment litigation, arbitrations, and other legal investigations or proceedings.
• Representing the Company in pre-litigation resolution management; administrative hearings, settlement negotiations, and mediations.
• Drafting position statements, responses to Agency inquiries, and handling various claims, demands, regulatory and employee-related matters.
• Providing prompt and sound subject matter advice and counsel to business partners at all levels regarding labor and employment law matters.
• Maintaining and responding to union organizing campaigns, providing guidance on employer rights and responsibilities, and developing strategies to minimize legal risks and protect the Company’s interests.
• Performing legal research, including monitoring legislation, regulations, and case law affecting the Company.
• Aiding in other legal functions as requested by other senior attorneys in the Department.

Requirements

Minimum Education: JD required
Minimum Special Certifications or Technical Skills: Licensed to practice law and an active member in good standing of at least one state bar.
Minimum Type Of Experience: 8-10 years of experience in labor and employment law/litigation and counsel, either at a law firm or as in-house counsel.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor and employment laws and experience counseling clients on a wide range of employment-related matters.
Trial and/or arbitration experience.
Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and legal writing skills.
Exceptional legal research skills and analytical capabilities.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
Outstanding negotiation and persuasive skills and abilities.
Ability to work independently and prioritize a large quantity of tasks with sensitive deadlines in a constantly changing environment.
Sound judgment in ambiguous situations.
Timely and appropriate decision-making within areas of responsibility under minimal oversight.
Collaboration with and effective utilization of internal and external resources with minimal supervision.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Preferred Education: JD degree from a top 50 law school
Preferred Type Of Experience: Prior working experience within the retail or consumer industries, a mix of law firm and in-house experience, strong strategic thinking and advocacy skills, excellent organizational skills.