Manager & Counsel, Employment
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Global Employment Law Group in the General Counsel’s Organization (GCO) is seeking a Manager & Counsel to provide advice and counsel on employment law matters within the United States and Canada. The position will work closely with Amex’s Colleague Experience Group (HR), business partners, legal professionals in the GCO, as well as stakeholders across the enterprise, to provide day-to-day support on a wide array of employment law issues attendant to a major financial institution.
ABOUT US
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
ABOUT THE TEAM
We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
- Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advise and support American Express Colleague Experience Group (HR) and business partners on employment law issues, policies, communications, and procedures.
- Manage employment litigations and arbitrations.
- Handle employment-related government investigations and agency charges, including drafting position statements.
- Review company communications, including HR policies, from an employment law perspective.
- Draft employment related documents (e.g., releases, agreements).
- Provide support for strategic initiatives and special projects underpinning American Express’s colleague experience strategy.
- Form strong partnerships with colleagues across the GCO, Colleague Experience Group, Global Risk and Compliance, Internal Audit, Privacy and business units to mitigate legal, operational, regulatory and reputational risks.
- Maintain and develop subject matter expertise on employment-related laws and regulations.
- Collaborate across General Counsel’s Organization and the Colleague Experience Group to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and either (i) admitted to the New York State Bar in good standing, or (ii) eligible and willing to promptly seek admission in New York, including registration as in-house counsel if applicable
- 5+ years of relevant employment law experience in a law firm and/or in-house corporate legal environment.
- Excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- High level of professionalism and confidentiality, with a commitment to ethical conduct.
- Must have the ability to work independently
- Must possess excellent writing skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience identifying and managing conduct risk related issues, as well as creating, implementing, and interpreting conduct risk-related policies, processes and/or programs.
- Experience representing GSIP banks and interpreting applicable conduct risk regulations (including OCC/FRB guidance on incentive compensation).
- Litigation and arbitration experience preferred.
- Ability to handle multiple workstreams simultaneously, take on new responsibilities and prioritize work in a dynamic, deadline intensive environment.
- Ability to build relationships and partner with others to drive results.
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Ability to pivot appropriately when presented with new information or evolving circumstances.
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
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