The Senior Attorney independently provides very high value legal services on complex matters to advance Conservancy priorities and appropriately manage risk. The Senior Attorney will work closely with the current Senior Attorney Global Human Resources and Human Resources paralegal to advise People Team professionals, the office of Ethics and Compliance, senior management, and regional attorneys on a wide variety of day-to-day and sensitive employment law matters, interpretation of local legal requirements, and application of global policies and procedures.
The Senior Attorney provides legal advice and direction on complex employment law matters to advance Conservancy priorities and appropriately manage risk. Provides worldwide global support to both domestic and international business units. Applies highly developed analytical and risk management skills to serve organizational needs efficiently and effectively. Clearly articulates complex legal concepts and options to project managers, high-level managers and the Board of Directors. Ensures that activities are legally sound and consistent with the Conservancy’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Provides guidance to clients in structuring activities to most effectively achieve Conservancy goals for the project.
- Drafts, reviews and negotiates, and advises clients on very complex agreements with non-profits, governments and corporations.
- Advises other attorneys based on recognized substantive expertise and judgment. Serves an advisory role organization-wide on key issues or major projects.
- Influences decision-makers at all levels of the Conservancy through strong communication skills.
- Manages outside counsel effectively on complex issues that may have regional or global impact.
- May supervise and/or provide guidance to less experienced attorneys and/or paralegals and other support staff.
- Assists in establishing and implementing policies and procedures that support organizational goals and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
- Performs special projects as requested by department management. Serves as one of the primary legal contacts for Human Resources.
- Independently handles or manages outside counsel regarding charges of discrimination and/or employment litigation.
- Travels occasionally (10%); works long or flexible hours as needed.
- 7 years relevant legal experience with at least 4 years focusing on U.S. employment law from a multistate perspective, with emphasis on discrimination, leave and disability, litigation and negotiation of claims, performance management, discipline and discharge, drafting and interpreting of employee policies, and wage and hour laws.
- Experience providing legal counsel to clients on employment matters located outside of the United States including at least one of the following geographies: Latin America – with special emphasis in Brazil - Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, or India.
- Experience communicating complex legal concepts to clients.
- Experience working across cultures in global environment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Fluency in foreign language(s), especially Spanish and/or Portuguese.
- Experience in additional areas of practice.
- Experience managing other attorneys and/or legal support staff.
- Experience delivering training programs to attorneys and non-legal staff.
- In-house experience and/or law firm experience advising sophisticated clients and senior management.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.