Sr. Legal Counsel - Employment Law

About the role

Santander is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department as a Senior Legal Counsel. The role provides day‑to‑day legal advice on employment matters, drafts policies, and oversees litigation and investigations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide counsel on wage‑and‑hour compliance, hiring, disciplinary actions, performance management and terminations.
• Handle workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, and employee‑benefits issues.
• Manage and coordinate employment‑related litigation, arbitrations, administrative charges and internal investigations.
• Draft and review employment policies, separation agreements and other related documents.
• Oversee outside counsel, review pleadings, manage discovery and negotiate settlements.
• Monitor legal developments in wage‑and‑hour, harassment regulations and industry‑specific compliance trends.
• Support HR and business leaders with training and best‑practice guidance.
• Participate in cross‑functional legal projects as needed.

Required profile

• J.D. degree and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 9+ years of experience practicing law in financial services, banking or a law firm.
• Strong litigation background with experience managing complex employment cases.
• Solid understanding of state and local employment laws.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Required skills

• Employment law expertise.
• Litigation management.
• Drafting employment policies and agreements.
• Knowledge of wage‑and‑hour regulations.
• Familiarity with FINRA and U‑5 regulatory matters.