Employment Counsel (Remote)
MUST BE BASED in California, Colorado, Washington, or Utah for consideration.
Freshworks makes it fast and easy for businesses to delight their customers and employees. We do this by taking a fresh approach to building and delivering affordable, quick to implement, and designed software for the end-user. More than 50,000 companies -- from startups to public companies -- worldwide use Freshworks software-as-a-service to enable a better customer experience (CRM) and employee experience (ITSM, HRSM).
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks has a dedicated team operating from 13 global locations to serve customers, including American Express, Sony, Vice Media, TaylorMade, Stitchfix, OfficeMax, Multichoice, Delivery Hero, ITV, and Klarna.
Freshworks transforms the way world-class organizations collaborate with customers and co-workers. The suite includes Freshdesk (omnichannel customer support), Freshsales (sales automation), Freshmarketer (marketing automation), Freshservice (IT service desk), Freshteam (HR management system).
We're seeking a hands-on, sharp and experienced Employment Counsel to join our legal team to provide practical and clear legal advice on a broad range of personnel-related topics and ensure Freshworks' compliance with labor laws in line with its business goals. You will be a member of our legal team and will work closely with our internal clients including Human Resources, Finance, Legal and business stakeholders. We are looking for a thoughtful, creative and collaborative individual, who will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and intellectually challenging work environment.
Your Responsibilities:
- Provide legal and strategic advice on a broad range of personnel related matters including recruiting, onboarding, performance management, leaves of absence and accommodations, wage and hour law, anti-discrimination and retaliation, internal investigations, pay equity, terminations and other related legal issues. Draft, revise and advise regarding employment-related agreements (including offer letters, confidentiality and intellectual property agreements, and separation agreements).
- Collaborate with the relevant internal teams on the development and implementation of scalable personnel-related policies and processes to ensure best practices and compliance with applicable laws and regulations and consistency among all regional HR teams.
- Partner with cross-functional teams, including the Legal and Executive Teams, to provide strategic, business-oriented employment law guidance for successful execution of company initiatives
- Collaborate with the Human Resources and Legal teams to generate and implement trainings for personnel globally.
- Manage personnel-related investigations and disputes, including demand letters and litigations. Investigate and respond to federal and state administrative complaints (including EEOC and local agency charges).
- Monitor labor law developments globally in locations where Freshworks has personnel, and liaise with local in-country counsel for advice and consistency. Advise the business on these developments with practical solutions.
- Provide legal guidelines and support regarding the company's contingent workforce and agency workers.
- Advocate for finding the "right" solution, which is one that is compliant and meets business goals, while ensuring we remain committed to Freshworks' core values and our people.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Juris Doctor degree
- Admitted to practice and in good standing with one or more state bar in the US
- 6+ years of combined law firm and in-house experience at a U.S.-based technology company with 4+ years of employment counseling experience
- Prior in-house or law firm experience advising and supporting a global workforce on employment law related matters.
- In-depth working knowledge and experience with advising multi-state and multi-country employer(s) on various personnel related legal issues and the relevant laws and regulations across United States, India, EU, Australia and other jurisdictions.
- Flexibility and willingness to approach legal challenges with a business-partner mentality to provide solution-oriented results that balance risk with business goals.
- Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information requiring a high level of discretion, respect, and integrity. Ability to discern matters that require privacy and confidentiality, and matters that benefit from broader input and collaboration.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication and analytical skills who can take legalese and make it easy to read for a diverse workforce spanning the globe.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, be creative and analyze risk in an environment of change and ambiguity.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and business judgment with a dedication to teamwork, integrity, and collegiality
- Experience at working independently and have a proven track record of being able to work effectively, prioritize and manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly engaged environment. Ability to recognize when to ask for help or escalate issues.
At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose and passion, irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, our communities and our business.