Managing Attorney, Labor and Employment Law

Salary Range: $150,000.00 – $170,000.00

Position Summary: The Managing Attorney, Labor and Employment Law will serve as the legal advisor to the company’s General Counsel and other leadership on all employee and employer claims and litigation, including unemployment appeals, and workers compensation claims. The Managing Attorney will collaborate closely with the General Counsel and the Human Resources department to ensure compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws, and proactively support the organization’s risk management and compliance initiatives. This role requires an in-depth understanding of California labor and employment laws as well as a proven track record of managing complex legal matters related to workers’ compensation and employee disputes.

Reports to: General Counsel

Education: Law Degree

Requirements: Current Valid CPR Certification (required)

Location: This is hybrid role with flexible schedule located in San Diego, CA

  

Key Responsibilities:

Employee & Employer Claims and Litigation:

·       Oversee and manage all employee-related claims, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and other employment litigation.

·       Develop strategies to minimize litigation risks and manage the resolution of claims through negotiation, mediation, and litigation when necessary.

·       Represent or oversee outside counsel in employment-related litigation, arbitrations, and administrative hearings.

Workers’ Compensation Oversight:

·       Collaborate with Risk Management and Human Resources departments to evaluate and manage workers’ compensation claims, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies.

·       Work with adjusters, case managers, and medical professionals to facilitate the resolution of claims.

·       Provide legal guidance on return-to-work policies and procedures.

Compliance with Labor and Employment Laws:

·       Advise Human Resources and other departments on compliance with California labor laws, including wage and hour regulations, leave laws (FMLA, CFRA, etc.), employee classification, and workplace safety.

·       Monitor and assess the impact of new or changing laws, regulations, and case law developments.

·       Develop and update internal policies to align with current legal standards and mitigate risk.

Risk Management & Internal Investigations:

·       Conduct or oversee internal investigations related to employee complaints, compliance issues, or other matters that may lead to litigation or regulatory scrutiny.

·       Assist in developing risk management strategies and provide training to management and staff to ensure legal compliance across the organization.

Collaborative Support:

·       Work closely with Human Resources, Compliance, Operations, and other departments to support organizational goals, ensuring the legal soundness of policies and practices.

·       Provide training to management and staff on legal issues such as employment law, workers’ compensation, and litigation avoidance.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting:

·       Ensure compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements related to employment law, including reporting obligations to the appropriate agencies.

·       Assist in preparing responses to government inquiries or audits as needed.

Qualifications:

·       Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

·       Active membership in the California State Bar.

·       Minimum of 4-5 years of CA employment law legal experience, preferably with litigation experience.

·       Experience working in or with the Healthcare industry

·       Strong knowledge of California labor and employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, leave laws, and workers’ compensation.

·       Proven ability to handle litigation, including court proceedings, administrative hearings, and mediation.

·       Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

·       Ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence outcomes without direct authority.

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

·       Experience managing external counsel and legal budgets.

·       Familiarity with the healthcare industry.

·       Experience conducting internal investigations and risk management.

Verbal and Written Skills to perform the job: Familiarity with basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Accurate keyboarding skills.

Technical knowledge and skills required to perform the job: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and the demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and groups. Demonstrate high levels of self-initiation and direction. Knowledge of communities we serve. Knowledge and experience working in medical settings and interacting collaboratively with medical teams. Skill in analyzing situations and making timely decisions.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Work involves sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

La Maestra Community Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation or belief.