Associate General Counsel - Labor & Employment

$175k-$195k / Annually + Bonus + Equity

At CoreCivic, our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to better the public good. CoreCivic is currently seeking a Associate General Counsel, Labor & Emloyment. Come join a team that is dedicated to making an impact for the people and communities we serve.

• This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite in Brentwood, TN.

The Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment provides strategic legal advice related to employment and labor relations matters to all business units of the company. Oversees management of related compliance audits, investigations, and litigation. Serving as a key legal partner to executive leadership, HR, and operational teams, ensures alignment with federal, state, and local laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The incumbent should be able to perform all of the following functions at a pace and level of performance consistent with the job performance requirements.

• Provides legal advice and guidance to corporate and facility management and human resources staff regarding labor and employment matters, including hiring, discipline, terminations, pay equity, benefits, accommodations, and other employment-related initiatives designated by the company.
• Provides legal advice and guidance in the development and drafting of policies and procedures for compliance with relevant employment law and contract requirements, including updates to address emerging issues such as remote work and AI in HR practices.
• Provides legal advice and guidance in the resolution of significant employee grievances, unfair labor practice claims, EEO and human rights investigations, and employee discipline concerns.
• Provides legal advice and guidance to HR Compliance department regarding all employment law matters, including wage and hour compliance, employee classification, and leave management under FMLA and similar laws.
• Establishes strategy for negotiation and management of labor union agreements in the company's facilities, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and dispute resolution.
• Provides legal interpretation and guidance to facility staff in the applicability of public records laws pertaining to employment-related data. Responds appropriately and accurately to public records requests.
• Maintains professional competency through continuing legal education and educational seminars relative to employment law, including staying current on legislative changes and court decisions.
• Supervises legal staff in the Labor and Employment practice area, including assigning work, providing guidance and mentorship, conducting performance reviews, supporting professional development, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals and company objectives.
• Oversees and directs external counsel, paralegals, and other support resources as needed to deliver high quality, cost effective legal services.
• Manages outside counsel in employment litigation. Manages and/or drafts company responses to charges of discrimination filed with state and federal administrative agencies, including claims related to wage and hour issues, USERRA matters, and claims related to workplace safety and health issues.
• In cooperation with HR and the HR Compliance Department, manages and provides advice and legal representation throughout all phases of compliance audits related to federal and state EEO, affirmative action, wage and hour laws, Service Contract Act regulations, and other regulatory requirements.
• Manages non-employment-related litigation and potential, such as resident personal injury and civil rights litigation as needed and provides legal guidance to other employees on such matters.
• Domestic U.S. travel may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor degree and active license to practice law in Tennessee, or eligibility for admission via reciprocity or in-house counsel registration is required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in labor and employment law, with five years in an in-house counsel corporate setting, preferably at a public company.
• Experience advising on unionized environments, collective bargaining, and labor relations preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, OSHA, and state-specific labor regulations.
• Proven track record in managing employment litigation, investigations, regulatory audits, and supervising junior legal professionals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to non-legal stakeholders and effectively mentor and develop direct reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.

CoreCivic is a Drug Free Workplace & EOE – Vets/Disabled.