Senior Counsel Employment Law

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) at LLNL one of the nations premier research laboratories is looking for a Senior Counsel whose primary areas of practice will include employment law.  We are looking for a bright collegial attorney with a flexible mindset sound judgment and an enthusiasm for addressing unique legal issues in an intellectually stimulating environment. The successful candidate will be one who enjoys working in a collaborative office and building good working relationships with internal groups.  You will be joining a team that is responsible for a wide-ranging legal portfolio and you will have the opportunity to learn the business of operating and managing a US Department of Energy laboratory with a national security mission. This role will be in the Office of General Counsel which is part of the Directors Office.

This position offers a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one to two days per week. 

You Will

• Provide practical legal advice and guidance to management Staff Relations Employee Relations and Human Resources in connection with each step of the employment lifecycle including hiring on-boarding performance management compensation discipline benefits leaves of absence accommodations and terminations.
• Conduct legal research and monitor and analyze developments in employment laws and regulations assess risk and recommend strategies to support proactive compliance and effective policy development based on legal requirements.
• Develop deliver and support training for managers and staff on employment law and related workplace topics and prepare or update employee handbooks policies and procedures.
• Support and as appropriate lead internal investigations of employee complaints and allegations; represent the Laboratory in administrative proceedings alternative dispute resolution union arbitrations and government audits or investigations.
• Draft review and negotiate employment related documents including benefit plans and vendor agreements; manage outside counsel in employment litigation and other matters as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with OGC colleagues Laboratory organizations government representatives and outside counsel; mentor and provide development support to less experienced attorneys.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Juris Doctorate (or equivalent degree) and membership in California Bar (or the ability to obtain a limited practice license as Registered In-House Counsel in California
• Demonstrated mastery of providing practical employment law advice and managing employment litigation in positions with progressively greater responsibility and involving matters of greater complexity and/or significance over time.
• Significant experience preparing and delivering written legal communications presentations and oral briefings on complex legal issues for more experienced attorneys and for more senior clients.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and California state employment laws.
• Strong analytical writing and presentation skills.
• Experience collaborating with and contributing to multi-disciplinary teams to solve problems and accomplish goals.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience as an attorney whether in a law firm or in-house representing or advising: a U.S. government contractor or other large business organization a university or other research-focused organization; or a federal state or local government entity including military service.
• Experience working as an attorney in a larger law firm (e.g. a firm with multistate presence) or comparable experience.
• Experience conducting internal workplace investigation and handling labor and union related matters.
• Prior interaction with and knowledge of agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs National Labor Relations Board and comparable California agencies.

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

  Wireless and Medical Devices

  Per the Department of Energy (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes but not limited to cell phones tablets fitness devices wireless headphones and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

  If you use a medical device which pairs with a mobile device you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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  We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion marital status national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity disability medical condition pregnancy protected veteran status age citizenship or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

  Reasonable Accommodation

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time