Assistant General Counsel – Employment

Job Description

Assistant General Counsel – Employment | Foley Hoag

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Foley Hoag, located in Boston, MA. Foley Hoag is an award-winning, international law firm specializing in innovative industries and high-stakes litigation. The Assistant General Counsel – Employment will serve as the firm’s primary legal advisor on labor and employment law matters, ensuring compliance, developing policies, and partnering with Human Resources and management to foster a legally compliant and fair work environment. This role is crucial in mitigating legal risk and promoting a fair workplace across the firm’s operations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Hybrid – Boston, MA
• Pay: $269000–$337000 yearly
• Team: Works within the Office of the General Counsel, collaborating with HR and Firm management.
• Mission: Mitigates legal risk arising from employment-related decisions and promotes a legally compliant and fair work environment.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Counseling & Compliance: Advise Firm management and Human Resources on compliance with federal, state, and local labor and employment laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA) and monitor legislative and regulatory developments.
• Policy Development & Audits: Develop, review, and update internal employment policies, procedures, and employee handbooks, conducting periodic audits to identify gaps and oversee implementation of updates.
• Employee Relations & Investigations: Collaborate with Human Resources on all employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, and terminations.
• Document & Agreement Management: Draft and review employment agreements, separation agreements, severance packages, and develop responses to charges filed with the EEOC, state human rights agencies, and other administrative bodies.
• Training & Risk Mitigation: Curate and deliver employment-related training, provide guidance on accommodation requests and leave administration, and assist other OGC members on various Firm risk matters as needed.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with the state bar in jurisdictions where the Firm operates.
• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years practicing labor and employment law, with substantial experience advising on workplace policies, employee relations, and HR compliance matters. Experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations.
• Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, written and oral communication skills. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters. Proven ability to work collaboratively with HR professionals, management, and cross-functional teams.
• Bonus: Experience developing and delivering compliance training programs.