Senior Employment and Compliance Counsel

About the role

We're seeking a Senior Employment Counsel to join Human Interest’s Legal team. This is a senior, employment-focused role. You'll serve as the strategic partner and trusted advisor to our People team on the full range of employment matters, and you'll own the company's employment disputes and employment risk end to end.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the People team across the full employment lifecycle: hiring, performance management, corrective actions, terminations, reductions in force, accommodations, leaves, compensation, contingent workers, and sensitive employee situations.
• Own the company's employment disputes. Manage pre-litigation claims, demand letters, administrative charges before the EEOC and state agencies, and settlement negotiations, and direct outside counsel on employment litigation.
• Oversee and advise on internal employment investigations, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and policy-violation matters.
• Provide proactive counsel on employment law compliance across a multistate workforce, with particular depth advising on non-exempt employee populations, staying ahead of developments in federal, state, and local law and taking the necessary steps to avoid issues before they arise.
• Advisory on employee and HR data privacy and information security, including how personnel data is collected, used, and protected under applicable federal and state law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate employment-related documents including offer letters, employment agreements, separation and severance agreements, CIIAAs, and equity-related documents.
• Translate new legal and regulatory developments and requirements into clear, practical guidance for the People team and business stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver training for the People team, people leaders, and business stakeholders on employment law topics and best practices, policy, and risk mitigation.

What you bring to the role

• JD from an accredited law school; active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction required.
• 8 to 10+ years of legal experience, with deep, dedicated employment law experience across both counseling and disputes, including demonstrated counseling depth on non-exempt employee populations.
• At least one prior in-house legal role is strongly preferred; startup or high-growth technology company experience is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated experience managing employment litigation and pre-litigation matters, including directing outside counsel and driving strategy and resolution.
• Demonstrated expertise in California employment law.
• Experience with equity compensation (a meaningful part of our total rewards) and executive compensation.
• Law firm background is preferred, with a demonstrated ability to translate analytical rigor into practical, business-ready guidance.
• Comfort advising and building relationships with non-legal stakeholders, including the People team, senior executives, and business leaders across functions.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and make sound judgment calls in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Why you will love working at Human Interest

• Tackling one of our country's biggest challenges - closing the retirement gap.
• You'll be instrumental in architecting and scaling solutions that bring financial security to employees at small and medium-sized businesses nationwide.
• Opportunity to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and advance your career alongside a dedicated, mission-driven team.

Compensation

The base salary for this position spans $200,000 - $240,000 and represents the minimum in our lowest geographic region to a maximum in our highest geographic region. The salary we offer to a new employee within this range is based on their location within the U.S., their relevant job-related skills, and experience.

Benefits

• A great 401(k) plan: Our own!
• Top-of-the-line health plans, as well as dental and vision insurance.
• Cheap time off and parental leave.
• Addition Wealth: Unlimited access to digital tools, financial professionals, and a knowledge center to help you understand your equity and support your financial wellness.
• Lyra: Enhanced Mental Health Support for Employees and dependents.
• Carrrot: Fertility healthcare and family forming benefits.
• Candidly: Student loan resource to help you and your family plan, borrow, and repay student debt.
• Monthly work-from-home stipend; quarterly lifestyle stipend.
• Engaging team-building experiences, ranging from virtual social events to team offsites, promoting collaboration and camaraderie.