Assistant General Counsel - Labor & Employment

Location:

To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation process, candidates are expected to complete all interviews and assessments independently and without the use of artificial intelligence tools (including AI-generated responses, prompts, or real-time assistance). Use of AI throughout the application and recruiting process may result in removal from consideration. Our goal is to get to know your authentic experiences, communication style, and problem-solving approach. 

This position is not eligible for employer sponsorship.

Since 1945, U-Haul has been providing opportunities! The U-Haul International Legal Department has an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 5 or more years of employment litigation experience in class and individual claims and ideally, substantial experience in traditional labor law. Reporting to the Director of Litigation, this Assistant General Counsel role is part of a collegial law department of about 20 attorneys in various practice areas. This is an in-office position in Phoenix. Arizona. Full-time remote work is not an option.

This non-supervisory position is ideal for an attorney who is committed to: 1) learning the diverse business lines within the U-Haul System of companies in the U.S. and Canada; 2) providing responsive counsel and assertive representation; and 3) being open to growth in other areas over time to meet the needs of the department and the System.

A successful candidate will have a proactive mindset, sense of humor, curiosity, and a drive for continuous effort. A successful teammate will enjoy freedom from micromanagement by being a trustworthy professional, a direct communicator, and a self-starter with relentless engagement and initiative.

Responsibilities:

(The following is not all-inclusive. Rather, it is meant to provide a good overview of the role.)

Employment:

• Handle docket of single-plaintiff and class/collective employment matters in courts and arbitration across U.S. and Canada and inclusive of all employment claims, e.g. California PAGA, wage/hour, discrimination, FMLA, retaliation (including worker’s comp. retaliation).

• Manage outside employment counsel in effective manner.

• Serve as backup to non-litigation employment counsel for day-to-day questions or counsel regarding EEOC and state agency position statements drafted by HR team members.

• Keep abreast of developments in employment law and provide related counsel.

Labor: 

• Provide counsel regarding compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN), and similar state or local laws.

• Handle NLRB unfair labor practice charges and representation petitions.

• Manage outside labor counsel in effective manner.

• Support Director of Unionfree Advantage with the development and execution of a positive team member relations and unionfree program.

• Keep abreast of labor law developments and provide related counsel.

General: 

• Provide legal advice to U-Haul field personnel on general legal issues.

• Exercise good judgment in working with paralegals and assistants toward litigation and project objectives.

• Collaborate effectively within Legal Dept. and with representatives of other departments.

• Support department operational objectives.

• Embrace opportunities for professional growth to contribute to other areas of Legal Dept. 

• Triage and manage simultaneous time-sensitive matters. 

• Occasional business travel.

Qualifications:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Licensed in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in class and single-claimant employment litigation.

• Prior experience in California PAGA matters is preferred.

• Prior traditional labor experience, including union avoidance, unfair labor practices, organizing campaigns, elections, and picketing, is preferred.

• Prior experience in Canadian employment law is a plus, but not required.

• Excellent research, writing, strategic, and analytical skills.

• Strong judgment in prioritizing work, managing time, and meeting deadlines.

• Willing to work primarily in-office in Midtown Phoenix with reasonable flexibility for work-life balance.

U‑Haul Offers:

• Medical insurance

• Prescription drug plans

• Dental & Vision plan with hearing care discounts

• Onsite medical clinic for team members and eligible family members

• New indoor fitness gym (Midtown Phoenix campus)

• Get Fit Gym Reimbursement Program

• Registered Dietitian Program

• WeightWatchers®

• CVS Virtual Care

• U‑Haul Kids Program

• 24‑Hour Nurse Line

• Wellness Program (HealthierYou initiatives & challenges)

• Mindset App Reimbursement

• Pet Insurance & Wellness plans

• Career stability

• Opportunities for advancement

• Valuable on‑the‑job training

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Free online courses for personal and professional development at U‑Haul University® 

• 401(k) Savings Plan

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Company‑paid life insurance

• Voluntary life insurance options

• Short-Term and Long‑Term Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident & Hospital Indemnity plans

• Business & business travel insurance

• MetLaw Legal Program

• MetLife Auto & Home Insurance

• LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar® Financial Wellness Program

• U‑Haul Federal Credit Union

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

• YouMatter Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Discounts on cell phone plans, hotels, computers, vehicles & more

• Community involvement & volunteer opportunities

• U‑Haul Mothers Program (Paid maternity leave)

#LI-SB1

U-Haul Holding Company, and its family of companies including U-Haul International, Inc. (“U-Haul”), continually strives to create a culture of health and wellness. Consistent with applicable state law, U-Haul will not hire or re-hire individuals who use nicotine products.  The states in which U-Haul will decline to hire nicotine users are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. U-Haul has observed this hiring practice since February 1, 2020 as part of our commitment to a healthy work environment for our team.   

U-Haul is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, provincial, state or local law. Individual accommodations are available on requests for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Information obtained during this process will only be shared on a need to know basis.