Senior Labor and Employment Counsel - Renton, WA, Spokane, WA or Portland, OR

The Role

Under guidance of the Division Senior Labor/Employment Counsel, and in coordination with other Labor/Employment Attorneys, Senior Labor and Employment Counsel serves as labor and employment counsel to employers throughout the Providence system, including representation and day-to-day advice in all aspects of labor and employment matters and related litigation.

Emphasis is placed on representing employers in the system in traditional labor matters, such as serving as the spokesperson during collective bargaining negotiations, organizing issues from the pre-petition stage through post-election procedures, litigation before the NLRB, and arbitrations and complex grievances. The role represents employers in the system before the EEOC, DOL, corollary state agencies, NLRB, and other administrative forums.

The position provides advice and guidance in the development of labor relations strategies, communications and education, provides day-to-day employment advice and counsel, and partners with teammates to manage litigation.

The successful candidate will need to be located in either the Renton, WA, Portland, OR, or Spokane, WA markets.

What You'll Do

• The attorney must have strong written and verbal communication skills, an ability to deliver on commitments, and be able to integrate many approaches and initiatives. The attorney must be relationship-driven and perform all duties in a manner that promotes a team concept and reflects the Providence Mission and Core Values. Provides legal analysis, strategic advice and counsel to each Providence employer on labor and employment matters.

• Serves as chief spokesperson in labor contract negotiations in assigned service area(s), and across the System as necessary, with overall responsibility for developing and executing labor strategy, in partnership with HR leaders, chief executives, and managers.

• Represents employers in the Providence system in labor arbitrations and administrative agency investigations and proceedings, such as, but not limited to, before the NLRB.

• Actively participates in providing regular and timely legal information as a continuing educational resource for Providence facilities, including development of presentation materials, delivery of presentations, and development of written summaries regarding labor and employment regulatory/legal changes affecting employers.

• Provides research and technical support and drafts legal opinions for the determination and resolution of complex legal issues.

• Responds to administrative agencies, demand letters and other claims.

• Partners with teammates to manage and coordinate relationships with outside counsel on employment litigation to meet organizational goals, in a cost-effective manner. Assesses best case strategy and need for settlement on litigation, guides outside counsel, and supervises the work of outside counsel. Provides advice directly to client regarding litigation management.

• Works with HR Business Partners and leaders to improve investigatory processes and outcomes, and takes other proactive steps to mitigate risk.

• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary system and regional leaders' communication and corporate campaign efforts.

• Advises Providence employers regarding issues arising from and/or related to merger/acquisition due diligence.

• Coordinates contract preparation and strategy development, and consults and provides expert advice on labor relations to organizational leaders and managers.

• Develops relationships with and, as appropriate, serves as contact with labor unions on specific contracts.

• Develops relationships with and serves as contact with the NLRB and other government agencies.

• Designs and sponsors management labor education (incorporating Catholic social teachings, where appropriate). Works with HR Leadership to develop specific curriculum and course materials.

• Keeps clients updated on labor legislation, labor market conditions, and union practices.

• Develops content for privileged resource website available for HR Leaders.

• Reviews labor relations communication plans for legal compliance, and works with internal resources to prepare and implement timely and effective communications with employees, managers, and senior leadership.

• Participates and represents Providence in labor relations forums and professional associations.

• Collaborates with Providence leaders and other DLA attorneys, as appropriate.

• Keeps HR Leadership Team and other HR leaders updated on relevant emerging issues.

• Effectively collaborates with key HR leaders and Chief Executives to support operational and organizational goals and objectives. Maintains clarity as to appropriate role of legal counsel within operational unit. Supports ongoing effective labor communications. Manages labor relations and legal compliance in a manner that is congruent with Providence Mission and Core Values and, where appropriate, Catholic Social Teachings on labor.

• Remains current and knowledgeable with respect to labor/employment law, particularly with issues affecting health care.

• Performs routine and complex work assignments independently.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

What You'll Bring

Education & Credentials

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school.

• Admission to the State Bar of Oregon or Washington is preferred.

• License to practice in at least one state, preferably one of the states where Providence operates.

Experience & Expertise

• Extensive experience (generally more than 10 years) in practicing employment litigation and labor law, with in-depth knowledge of the NLRA, collective bargaining negotiations and NLRB procedure.

• Experience as in-house counsel in a similar role preferred.

• Expert knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining and employment law.

Professional & Leadership Capabilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to use adult learning principles.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, negotiation skills, relationship-building skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills.