SEIU Local 721

Senior Counsel

Based in Los Angeles, CA

 

WHO WE ARE:
SEIU 721 is a dynamic and fast-growing labor organization, recognized as one of the largest and strongest unions of public sector employees in the nation. We represent over 100,000 workers and have over 200 staff employees covering four counties in Southern California, including Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties and numerous cities in these regions. Our members provide critical services within the public and private sectors in diverse fields including health care, social services, libraries, courts, parks and recreation, public works, higher education, mental health, and many others. They work tirelessly to care for the sick, protect the environment, support families in need, and protect our communities' most vulnerable individuals. We represent frontline workers who impact millions of lives daily and make sure their work is respected and valued.

SEIU 721 organizes workers in the public and private sectors and empowers them not only to effect change in their workplace, but at the political level as well. Through grassroots organizing, identifying, and developing leaders within our Union, we make sure that our members voices are heard, and that the government is held accountable to ensuring efficiency, advocating for those in need, and improving access to services.

SEIU 721 represents public and private service workers across Southern California who are committed to their communities’ health and well-being. Our goal is to uplift those workers who have been historically marginalized and give them a seat at the table so they may provide for their families for generations to come. We continue to grow our outreach so that we can provide excellent representation and strengthen the power of workers in a changing labor economy.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
The Senior Counsel reports directly to the Executive Director with supervision by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. 

The Senior Counsel works closely with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel to serve as a key legal advisor to Union leadership. This position plays a central role in representing the Local in both traditional labor and the Union’s responsibilities as an employer. This position involves significant autonomy and requires sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.

This role is well-suited for an attorney who enjoys problem solving and resolving workplace issues. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Advise Union leadership on employee relations matters, including investigations, discipline and compliance with employment laws. 
• Conduct and oversee internal investigations involving staff misconduct or policy violations.
• Provide risk assessments and practical, day-to-day legal guidance to leadership on workplace issues affecting Union as employer.
• Represent Union members and/or the Union in a range of administrative proceedings, including arbitrations, mediations, civil service hearings, unfair labor practice charge hearings, and other administrative proceedings.
• Manage and prioritize a significant caseload toward resolution or adjudication using case assessment and electronic case management tools.
• Interpret, analyze and apply labor agreements to fact patterns.
• Organize and manage databases and case documents.
• Conduct legal research and engage in effective written and oral advocacy.
• Train Union leaders and staff on member representation issues.
• Participate in other Union mission duties as assigned, such as political phone banking and precinct-walking. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The Senior Counsel is a senior role within our organization who will be expected to function with a high level of autonomy. This role is best suited for candidates with at least five years of professional legal experience who are comfortable exercising independent judgment, managing sensitive matters, and advising organizational leadership. A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and bar membership in California is required for all candidates. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to provide zealous advocacy to a diverse membership.
• Willingness to take on all aspects of Union-side labor law, including representing the Union as employer.
• Strong oral advocacy and writing skills. 
• Efficient and effective case management skills, including strong issue-spotting and strategic thinking skills.
• Background in litigation and employment law are a plus. 
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. 
• Willingness to travel and work in different locations as needed.
• Valid California driver’s license, working automobile and valid auto insurance with minimum level of coverage required.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and building power for workers.
• Willingness to participate in non-legal Union-wide activities as directed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

• Annual Salary Range is between $136,281.60 to $146,481.60.
• Fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and a generous life insurance. 

TO APPLY: 
Mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript, writing sample and the name, job title, address, and phone number of three professional references to:

Human Resources Department 
SEIU Local 721
1545 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90017

E-mail: careers@seiu721.org

To be considered, your résumé or cover letter must show how you meet each of the job requirements listed above.

SEIU Local 721 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. SEIU Local 721 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces zero tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment. 

Position will remain open until filled.