Job Description
About the Job:
Taco Bell is seeking an experienced Employment Attorney to join its Legal Department. This position is accountable for providing strategic, business-focused legal counsel and support on a broad range of employment, labor, and employee relations matters across the organization. The role partners closely with People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders to proactively manage legal risk while supporting business objectives and championing Taco Bell's unique Live Más culture.
The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor who brings practical, solution-oriented legal advice and can effectively navigate complex employment issues in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This role reports to the Senior Director, Legal.
The Day-to-Day:
• Serve as the lead for US employment law advisor to People & Culture, Operations, and business leaders, providing strategic counsel on employee relations matters, including investigations, accommodations, leave management, wage and hour issues, performance management, and separations.
• Develop and oversee the company's traditional labor strategy, including advising on union organizing activity and campaigns, supporting response strategies, and managing outside labor counsel. Maintain a working knowledge of traditional labor law sufficient to identify risks, provide practical guidance, and effectively partner with outside counsel; deep subject-matter expertise is not required.
• Partner with senior leaders on organizational changes, workforce planning initiatives, restructures, and other high-impact business decisions, balancing legal risk with practical business solutions.
• Lead the company's response to employment-related claims, agency charges, investigations, subpoenas, demand letters, and pre-litigation matters, while managing outside counsel and litigation strategy.
• Develop, review, and implement employment-related policies, procedures, training, and compliance programs that support business objectives and mitigate organizational risk.
• Monitor and advise on federal, state, and local employment law developments, translating legal requirements into actionable guidance and best practices for the organization.
• Act as a recognized subject matter expert and trusted advisor, influencing enterprise-wide employment practices and providing thought leadership on complex workplace issues.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and complex legal projects, building strong relationships across Legal, People & Culture, and business teams to drive alignment and results.
• Mentor and develop junior legal team members and business partners while modeling Taco Bell's Live Más culture and fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.
Is this you?
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required and licensed member in good standing of a State Bar, with preference for California Bar admission.
• 8+ years of employment law experience, including advising HR and business leaders on complex workplace matters.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including California employment law.
• Proven experience managing employment litigation, government agency matters, and outside counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice while effectively balancing risk and business objectives.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization in a fast-paced environment
Work-Hard, Play-Hard:
• Hybrid work schedule (onsite expectation Tues, Wed, Thurs) and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, and carwash
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
• Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
• 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
• Discounts, free food, swag and... honestly, too many good benefits to name
Salary Range: $180,000 to $195,000 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.
Work Authorization Notice: Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support for this position. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship.
