Biogen

Employment Counsel

Biogen$226K — $311K *
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and J.D.
  • At least 10 years of experience in employment law, both in top-tier law firms and in-house roles.
  • Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts or eligible for admission.
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR compliance.
  • Proven experience in managing investigations and employment disputes.

Responsibilities

  • Provide high-quality legal advice to the Global HR team on compliance with employment laws.
  • Manage employment disputes, including handling demand letters and agency complaints.
  • Oversee the global HR governance program, policy rollouts, audits, and vendor contracting.
  • Offer legal counsel on U.S. HR matters including compensation, benefits, and restructuring.
  • Direct and advise on HR investigations to ensure compliance with legal standards.
  • Monitor employment law developments to anticipate potential impacts.
  • Collaborate with HR and Legal & Compliance on tax-related issues.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation plus year-end shutdown time off
  • Up to 12 company-paid holidays and 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • Employee stock purchase plan
Full Job Description
About This Role:

As an Employment Counsel on the Legal & Compliance team, you will provide crucial legal advice and support to Biogen's Global Human Resources department, addressing the needs of over 8,000 global employees. Your expertise will guide HR in navigating complex issues such as performance management, recruitment, harassment/discrimination, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. You will manage employment disputes, coordinate with outside counsel, and ensure HR practices align with legal standards. This role is integral to maintaining a compliant and productive workforce, directly impacting Biogen's operational success and strategic objectives within the organization. Reports to Chief Employment Counsel.

What You'll Do:

  • Provide high-quality legal advice to the Global HR team on employment law compliance.
  • Manage employment disputes, including handling demand letters and agency complaints.
  • Oversee global HR governance program, policy rollouts, audits, and vendor contracting.
  • Offer legal counsel on U.S. HR matters such as compensation, benefits, and restructuring.
  • Direct and advise on HR investigations, ensuring thorough and compliant processes.
  • Monitor and advise on employment law developments, anticipating potential impacts.
  • Collaborate with HR, Legal & Compliance, and Finance on non-employee and tax-related issues.
  • Select and manage outside counsel for employment dispute resolutions and other advice.
  • Conduct HR audits, directing necessary remediations for compliance.
  • Develop training materials and update policies in response to legal developments.
  • Facilitate cross-border movement of personnel with legal compliance.


Who You Are:

You possess a keen legal acumen with a deep understanding of employment law and HR compliance. Your ability to anticipate legal developments and proactively address potential issues sets you apart. You thrive in collaborative environments, engaging with HR, Legal & Compliance, and Finance teams to ensure Biogen's workforce operates seamlessly within legal frameworks. Your communication skills are exceptional, allowing you to convey complex legal concepts clearly and effectively. You are committed to maintaining the integrity of HR practices and fostering a compliant and inclusive workplace.

Required Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree and J.D.
  • At least 10 years of experience in employment law, including top-tier law firm practice and preferably in-house experience.
  • Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts or eligible for admission.
  • Extensive knowledge of US employment laws and HR compliance.
  • Proven experience in managing investigations, employment disputes and selecting outside counsel.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with global HR laws and regulations, cross-border personnel movement and international HR compliance.


Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $226,000.00-$311,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation


About Biogen

Biogen is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Biogen is developing a pipeline of possible medicines in neurology, neuropsychiatry, specialized immunology, and rare illness, and the company is laser-focused on its mission of helping humanity through science and building a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Biogen Careers

Join Biogen, a leader in biotechnology, and be part of a team that is dedicated to pioneering neurological and neurodegenerative diseases research. At Biogen, our mission is to lead the way in science and medicine, and we offer job opportunities that challenge and reward your professional growth. Work You’ll Do At Biogen, you will contribute to groundbreaking projects that help improve the lives of millions. Our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry provides a dynamic environment for both seasoned professionals and those at the beginning of their career. With a variety of job opportunities ranging from research and development to marketing and sales, Biogen is where your skills will help shape the future of healthcare. Join our diverse team and embrace the culture of excellence and collaboration that Biogen is known for. Here, every position contributes to our mission, driving us forward with shared purpose and vision. Biogen’s Employment Philosophy We believe in the power of our people and invest in their future. The growth and development of our team members are paramount, which is why we offer robust benefits, diversity training, and career advancement opportunities. At Biogen, leadership and innovation go hand in hand, fostering an environment where you can thrive. Internship and Early Career Programs Kickstart your career with a Biogen internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships provide a platform to develop your skills and test your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you for full-time employment in the biotechnology field. Hiring Process Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate about making a difference. From the initial application and resume submission to the interview and final selection, each step is an opportunity to showcase your unique talents and potential. At Biogen, we look for individuals who are curious, creative, and eager to tackle new challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various positions available at Biogen and find the one that best matches your skills and interests. We are constantly looking for individuals who are driven to explore, innovate, and lead. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Biogen is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow, connect, and contribute to exciting, meaningful work. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding opportunities waiting for you at Biogen and be part of our mission to lead in the biotechnology industry. Join Biogen today and be part of a team that is dedicated to redefining the boundaries of science and medicine. Your career at Biogen is not just a job—it’s a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.
Learn more about Biogen
Size
9,610 employees
Market Cap
$39.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4 billion
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
-0.8%
Revenue
$13.4 billion
NASDAQ

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