Senior Counsel, Employment & Litigation

• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

The Senior Counsel of Employment and Litigation will play a significant role in advising and representing our company on a wide range of employment-related matters. This role will ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, provide strategic guidance on human resource policies and procedures, and bring expertise and in-depth knowledge of employment law including California Employment Law to our various departments in the organization. As with all positions at KeHE, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Legal Counsel and Advice: Provides expert legal counsel to the company on matters related to employment law and other related matters across multiple sites.
• Employment and Other Litigation: Handles a caseload of employment and other disputes, including but not limited to discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, retaliation claims, and employment contract disputes.
• Compliance and Policies: Develops, reviews, and updates company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with prevailing labor laws at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Investigations: Conducts internal investigations into complaints and allegations of misconduct, ensuring fair and impartial handling of each case, and recommending appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Employee Relations: Provides guidance and support to HR professionals and management teams in handling employee relations matters, including but not limited to performance management, disciplinary action, and terminations.
• Contracts and Agreements: Reviews and negotiates employment contracts, severance agreements, and other employment-related agreements, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protecting company interests.
• Legal Research: Stays up to date with changes in employment laws and regulations, monitors relevant case law and legal developments, and provides proactive advice to management on potential impacts and necessary adaptations.
• Collaborative Approach: Works closely with internal stakeholders, including HR, leadership, and outside counsel, to provide legal guidance on day-to-day employment matters and ensure consistent compliance with employment laws.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills including the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal professionals.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate high ethical standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and collaborate across departments.
• Demonstrated expertise in multi-site employment law matters, with a deep understanding of California employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent understanding of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and guidelines, with a particular emphasis on California labor law.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical and strategic legal advice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Active membership in the Illinois State Bar required.
• 7-10 years of experience practicing employment law, with a strong emphasis on law firm experience required.
• In-house law experience is a plus.
• Experience with litigation law including handling employment-related disputes and representing clients before administrative agencies or courts.
• Proficiency in immigration law with experience advising on immigration-related employment matters such as visas, work permits, and I-9 compliance is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.