Sr. Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment will work directly with Natera’s Human Resources team to provide legal counsel and guidance on all employment-related matters. The position is responsible for managing legal issues related to labor and employment, collaborating with HR and organizational leaders to provide oversight in employee relations, ensuring legal compliance, particularly as it relates to Texas and California employment law, and serving as the primary legal advisor in various forums.

This individual must focus on prevention, intervention, proactive counsel and responses, and developing best of class practices and policies.  The person will efficiently provide counsel for preventative policies and operations as well as assist in needed legal intervention, manage legal risks, reduce reliance on outside counsel, and maintain proactive communication with the management team and Human Resources.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with Natera’s Human Resources team to provide guidance and counsel on a wide variety of employment-related matters.
• Function as the frontline counsel for all legal and personnel matters, consulting with outside counsel as needed.
• Advise on Human Resources related matters including discipline, investigations, DFEH/EEOC complaints, and ADA-related issues
• Manage, track, support, and advise leadership on all HR related disputes.
• Represent Natera in court, mediation, arbitration, and other settings where legal representation is beneficial or required.
• Respond to legal complaints and coordinate legal strategy with outside counsel and Natera leadership.
• Stay abreast of federal, state, and local labor and employment laws, regulations, and court decisions and ensure the organizations policies and practices are in compliance.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal law with regard to terminations, discipline, leaves of absence, and accommodations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal and State (with a focus on Texas and California) employment and personnel laws and regulations.
• Develop, review, and update organizational  policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to mitigate risk and align with current labor and employment laws and best practices.
• Conduct legal training sessions for management and staff on compliance and best practices in labor relations.
• Minimize costs by effectively managing legal issues in-house.
• Prepare and review required policies, regulations, and notices
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD degree is required.
• 3+ years of experience as a labor and employment attorney, in-house experience is a big plus.
• Member of California Bar or eligible to register as Registered In-House Counsel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with Texas and California employment laws preferred.
• Proven ability to represent an organization in legal proceedings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Nimbleness; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High levels of initiative, confidence and ability to appropriately influence others.
• Demonstrated high ethical behavior.
• Excellent negotiation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high levels of professional conduct in adversarial situations.
• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to make sound decisions and recommendations that are in the best interest of Natera.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and communication in tense situations.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently work from home and independently, with high levels of self-accountability.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently on projects of high complexity with minimal supervision.
• Experience in the healthcare industry is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is 100% percent remote.
• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone, read printed material (contracts) and database management.
• Duties may require working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends) at times.

Travel required for this position:

No ☐  or Yes X : 

Anticipated percent for travel: up to 10% and/or as needed

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