New York - Office of the General Counsel, Employment Attorney (3+ Years Experience)

The Office of General Counsel at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom seeks an experienced employment attorney to join its internal legal team. This role will focus on providing practical, business-oriented advice to firm leadership and internal stakeholders on a wide range of employment law matters. The ideal candidate will have strong judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to deliver clear, actionable guidance in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide day-to-day legal advice and counseling on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

2. Advise on employment-related issues including hiring, discipline, performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, and separations.

3. Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining employment policies, procedures, and best practices to support firm operations and risk management.

4. Partner with the People Team and firm leadership to proactively identify and mitigate employment-related risks.

5. Conduct and oversee internal workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, and sensitive employment matters.

6. Draft and respond to demand letters, administrative charges, and agency inquiries (e.g., EEOC, NLRB, state and local fair employment agencies).

7. Support training initiatives for firm personnel on employment law compliance and firm policies.

8. Coordinate with outside counsel as needed on litigation or specialized employment matters.

9. Support the OGC's other core functions by contributing to research projects, drafting and reviewing documents, and advising on various issues.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

• Active license to practice law in New York (additional jurisdictions a plus).

• 3+ years of experience practicing management-side employment law, preferably at a law firm or in-house legal department.

• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

• Experience conducting workplace investigations and responding to administrative charges and pre-litigation demands.

• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously with attention to detail and discretion.

Preferred Attributes

Experience supporting professional services organizations or law firms. Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach with sound judgment. High level of professionalism and ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.

What We Offer

A collaborative work environment within a leading law firm. The opportunity to play a key role in shaping internal employment practices and policies. Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with experience. The base salary range for this New York position is expected to be between $200,000-$275,000 annually. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Skadden's hybrid work model consists of working Monday through Thursday in the office. Attorneys also receive the opportunity to work remotely for specified periods throughout the year. Attorneys in our Office of the General Counsel are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance; 401(k); NY bar registration; on-site fitness center; continuing legal education (in-house, PLI, NY City Bar, Lexis/Westlaw); 4 weeks of paid vacation; and parental leave.

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176.

Additional Employment Notices

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Transparency in Coverage Rule

Skadden's Privacy Statement

Associate Salary Information