Senior Legal Counsel, US Employment
Smith & Nephew
- Memphis, TN
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provide proactive, practical, clear and timely day-to-day advice to the HR team and internal business partners across all business units on a wide variety of US employment issues, including but not limited to: wage and hour; W2/1099 classification; restrictive covenants, leaves of absence and accommodations; drug testing and background screenings; discrimination, harassment and retaliation; investigations; performance management; discipline; termination; employee health and safety; employee benefits, and other labor and employment related matters, policies, and procedures.
- Proactively monitor legislative and regulatory developments and emerging trends affecting employment obligations.
- Develop, review, draft and/or amend company policies and handbooks to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws as needed.
- Assist in developing, preparing, and providing training to HR and internal business partners regarding employment law compliance, and key topics/trends within the business.
- Draft and negotiate employment-related documents and templates including employment contracts, restrictive covenants and separation agreements.
- Lead and/or support internal investigations related to employment and human resources issues.
- Run employment related disputes/litigation and represent the company in employment matters filed with state and federal agencies.
- Prepare and review company responses to charges and complaints of discrimination and other litigation documents.
- Oversee and manage outside counsel for employment matters and ensure cost-effective and efficient representation.
- Juris Doctorate from accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law as a member in good standing in at least one US state.
- Would suit a candidate with 6+ years of experience in a dedicated employment law practice, either with a law firm and/or in-house legal department.
- Recent experience advising healthcare/pharma/medical devices strongly preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including but not limited to Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, ADA, ERISA, and other relevant statutes; experience with labor, workers’ compensation, and/or immigration laws would be beneficial.
- Ability to provide employment advice relating to a mixed employee/contractor workforce.
- Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/)
- Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
- Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
- Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
- Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
- Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
- Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!