Sr. Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation

Since our founding in 1924 weve cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half but there is still so much more to do. To overcome todays biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement be part of the progress and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Legal Counsel Employment Law & Litigation in our Legal department!

This position will work in a hybrid setting (in-office at least two (2) days per week) at our National Center office in Dallas TX.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful you will have access to Heart U our award-winning corporate university as well as additional training and support locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us onLinkedInInstagramFacebookX and .

Subject matter expert responsible for providing expert legal advice and services to support the decisions plans and activities of the organization. Serves as the primary legal resource on employment matters and practices for the association and oversight of general litigation matters. Provides resolution of business or technical issues by identifying legal solutions and recommending a course of action.

• Provides expert day-to-day legal counsel to HR business leaders and executives on employment law matters across the Association on hiring discipline performance management leave separation accommodations ADA accessibility job duties reduction in force labor law and regulatory compliance while staying current with nationwide legal developments affecting employment practices.
• Manages and directs outside counsel for employment-related and general civil litigation administrative charges and investigations and advises Association management on general litigation dispute resolution civil and administrative law matters throughout the United States including making recommendations to General Counsel on strategy budget pleadings settlement terms and oversight of discovery and trial preparation.
• Builds strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the Association attends strategic meetings to identify emerging legal issues provides legal input to decision-makers and communicates effectively and promptly with staff at all levels. Conduct legal training for teams as needed.
• Leads internal fact-finding and legal analysis for workplace investigations (complaints of discrimination harassment retaliation) and drafts investigation reports and recommended actions. Research legal issues and prepare legal opinions guidelines and recommendations regarding specific issues or courses of action including conducting internal investigations and advising the General Counsel on employment and litigation matters.
• Ensures compliance with preservation obligations for information relevant to current or reasonably anticipated litigation in all subject areas and maintains adherence to all regulatory requirements affecting the Associations employment practices.
• In addition to labor and employment legal expertise noted above possesses working knowledge of general corporate and administrative areas of law including contract property and intellectual property business and corporation law. Experience working in or working knowledge of rules applicable to public charities is a plus.
• Counsel on compliance with federal state and local employment laws and regulations (e.g. discrimination laws FMLA ADA wage and hour leave laws paid sick leave and other jurisdictional requirements) and monitor changes in the law that affect the business.
• Partner with HR to design and deliver training for managers and HR on employment-law topics best practices and investigation techniques.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope and responsibility of the job level and family.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one state preferably Texas.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience.
• First chair experience handling employment hearings or trials will give the candidate an advantage; other first chair trial experience will be considered.
• Minimum travel local and overnight stay.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. Thats why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments as needed.
  
  
• Performance and Recognition You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
  
  
• Benefits We offer a wide array of benefits including medical dental vision disability and life insurance along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being we also offer an employee assistance program employee wellness program and telemedicine and medical consultation.
  
  
• Professional Development You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Associations national online university with more than 100000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  
  
• Work-Life Harmonization The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  
  
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Associations 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science policy and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association American Stroke Association our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives regardless of race ethnicity gender gender identity religion age language sexual orientation national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.

This position not a match with your skills Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities