Sr Counsel - Global Employment Law

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Law Department, where we embrace Mattel’s values and goals by providing thoughtful and timely advice to all Mattel business functions around the world.  We strive to find creative, practical solutions that prudently manage risk and contribute to Mattel’s success, and we practice law in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

We're seeking a motivated, conscientious Senior Counsel, Employment Law to join the Global Employment Law team of the Mattel Law Department.  The position will support a wide range of business clients within Mattel while focusing on employment-related advice, claims defense and litigation.  The position will be responsible for an extensive and varied employment practice and will be based at our Corporate Headquarters in El Segundo, California

What Your Impact Will Be: 

You will be responsible for assisting the Employment Law team, People & Culture (including all levels of People & Culture Business Partners and Center of Excellence representatives), and other business functions with ensuring compliance with all applicable labor and employment laws and regulations.  In this role, you will:

• Serve as a key legal advisor on labor and employment law, and personnel matters;
• Provide legal, strategic and business advice to the Law Department, People & Culture, and other business functions on day-to-day employment-related matters, including recruitment and hiring, compensation and benefits, employee discipline, performance management, terminations, restructurings, anti-discrimination, harassment prevention and non-retaliation, federal and state wage and hour compliance, leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, workplace safety, government audits, and internal investigations of potential violations of Company policy;
• Evaluate and communicate legal risks associated with complaints, grievances, charges, and other legal matters;
• Handle pre-litigation claims, settlement negotiations and mediations, and federal and state litigation, including management of outside counsel where support is needed;   
• Defend and represent the Company in matters before federal and state agencies, including the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), EEOC, DLSE, DOL, NLRB, and others;
• Work to minimize legal exposure by proactively reviewing existing practices, forms, contracts, and policies regarding employment-related matters, while considering business objectives and practicalities; 
• Draft policies, procedures, handbooks, and agreements (e.g., offer letters, confidentiality agreements, separation agreements, and settlement agreements), and prepare legal documents, memoranda and other forms of communication regarding transactional or legal advice;
• Develop training materials and provide training to People & Culture professionals and other employees on employment law issues and employment-related policies and practices; and  
• Provide legal counsel to executives and senior/middle management on changes in the law and complex legal issues, which may have significant impacts on Company facilities and operations.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Broad and deep employment law knowledge; ability to readily advise on the wide variety of employment law issues that arise in a complex, global corporate environment
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and evaluate their broader implications for the business; interact with clients at all levels; provide timely, practical, legal advice and solutions; and communicate effectively in person and in writing
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and take ownership of issues and matters to their successful conclusion
• Exemplary leadership and organization skills, including program and project management, prioritization and time management
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to foster an ethical culture
• JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials 
• At least 8+ years of experience as an employment attorney
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