Employment Attorney

About the role

Taco Bell is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department in Irvine, CA. The role provides strategic, business-focused legal counsel on a broad range of employment, labor and employee relations matters, partnering with People & Culture, Operations and business leaders to manage legal risk while supporting business objectives. It reports to the Senior Director, Legal.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the lead US employment law advisor to People & Culture, Operations and business leaders, covering investigations, accommodations, leave management, wage and hour issues, performance management and separations.
• Develop and oversee the company's traditional labor strategy, including union organizing activity and campaigns, and manage outside labor counsel.
• Partner with senior leaders on organizational changes, workforce planning, restructures and other high-impact decisions.
• Lead responses to employment claims, agency charges, investigations, subpoenas, demand letters and pre-litigation matters, managing outside counsel and litigation strategy.
• Develop, review and implement employment policies, procedures, training and compliance programs.
• Monitor federal, state and local employment law developments and advise on them.
• Mentor junior legal team members and build relationships across Legal, People & Culture and business teams.

Required profile

• J.D. degree and good-standing license in a State Bar, with preference for California Bar admission.
• 8+ years of employment law experience advising HR and business leaders on complex workplace matters.
• Proven experience managing employment litigation, government agency matters and outside counsel.
• Ability to balance risk with business objectives and communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of federal, state and local employment law, including California employment law.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

What we offer

• Salary of $180,000 to $195,000 annually plus bonus eligibility.
• Hybrid schedule (on-site Tuesday to Thursday) with a flexible Friday, onsite childcare, dining center, gym, laundry and dry cleaning.
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation, holidays, parental leave, adoption assistance and 401(k) with 6% match.
• Medical, dental and prescription drug coverage with 100% preventive care.