Employment Counsel (Director)

About This Role: 

As a highly experienced 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 12 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.

Additional Information

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

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about Biogen.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.