Position Title: Labor and Employment Counsel
Reports To: General Counsel
Department: Legal
Status: Exempt
Date: July 2026
Broad Functions: The Labor & Employment Counsel is a member of Areas' in-house Legal Department, supporting labor and employment relations and claims across the company's travel, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail operations. This role manages the company's relationship with organized labor including collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration proceedings, and NLRB matters, while also providing day-to-day employment claims and litigation management. Candidates must bring 7+ years of labor and employment experience.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:- Manage labor relations across travel, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail operations; interpret CBAs and advise leaders on contract compliance.
- Develop negotiation strategy, prepare proposals, conduct wage/market research, and participate in bargaining for unionized workforces.
- Advise on and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, including strategy development, proposal drafting, and at-the-table support.
- Evaluate and manage National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) matters, including unfair labor practice charges, position statements, and related investigations.
- Monitor developments in labor law and NLRB precedent and advise leadership on emerging risks and required policy updates.
- Represent the employer in mediations and arbitrations regarding labor matters.
- Manage resolution of employment-related claims and charges, including initial risk assessment and assignment of response strategy.
- Draft and coordinate position statements and responses to charges filed with the EEOC, state fair employment practice agencies, and other administrative bodies.
- Evaluate claims for exposure and litigation risk, and recommend early resolution, mediation, or defense.
- Maintain a claims and litigation tracker for legal and business leadership, reporting on case status, trends, and reserve/exposure estimates.
- Manage insurance claims reporting, subpoenas, and discovery requests tied to employment matters.
- Identify root causes behind recurring claims and drive corrective action to reduce future exposure.
- Prepare for mediations and hearings in employment matters, working closely with outside counsel.
Skills and Qualifications:- J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing in [State] (or eligibility for admission or in-house counsel registration).
- 7 years of relevant experience in labor and employment law, at a law firm, in-house, or with a government agency (e.g., the NLRB).
- Hands-on experience with collective bargaining negotiations and labor arbitration, along with working knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
- Excellent judgment and the ability to provide practical, risk-balanced advice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment:Position is based out of Miami, Florida and operates on a hybrid schedule. The role requires frequent travel, up to 25%, to airport locations, operational sites, and meetings with union partners within the U.S. jurisdiction. The position involves frequent interaction with managers, union leadership, outside counsel, and external partners.
