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Posted June 12, 2026

OGC Senior Counsel – Employment (US)

Latham & Watkins
Chicago, IL Full Time
Compensation: $220,000 to $250,000 Annually
Reference: LathamWatkins6850

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong.

About the Role

The OGC Senior Counsel – Employment (US) is an integral part of Latham’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) team. This role will be responsible for partnering with the senior members of the OGC - Employment team in managing employment law matters affecting the firm’s attorneys and business professionals across all U.S. offices, while serving as a point of contact for internal clients (e.g., HR, Legal Talent, Recruiting, Office Administration) seeking legal advice on a range of U.S. employment law issues, including but not limited to, employee relations, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, performance management, accommodations, leaves of absence, investigations, separations, and wage and hour matters. This role will be located in either our New York, Chicago, Downtown Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco, or Silicon Valley office. While these locations are preferred, our other U.S. locations may be considered for the right candidate. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

  • Conducting legal research and analysis on a variety of employment law topics across all U.S. jurisdictions, and providing practical guidance to internal stakeholders
  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating employment-related documents, including offer letters, separation agreements, settlement agreements, secondment agreements, employment-related memos, and local counsel engagement agreements
  • Assisting with potential and actual US employment litigation, disputes, and administrative charges
  • Drafting and preparing responses to employment-related subpoenas and personnel file requests
  • Monitoring employment related legislation and other employment law developments across all U.S. jurisdictions, providing legal advice to internal stakeholders impacted by updates, ensuring firm compliance by all relevant deadlines, and assisting in developing internal communications and training
  • Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains

We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Possess broad and ongoing knowledge of US employment laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the firm operates in the US
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct legal research, analysis, and draft written work product with strong attention to detail
  • Display strong client counseling skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, practical manner

And have:

  • A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
  • An active bar membership in good standing in a jurisdiction in which the firm has a U.S. office
  • A minimum of four (4) years of employment law experience, including counseling and/or employment litigation responsibilities
  • Prior experience working directly with a law firm Office of General Counsel or prior in-house experience, preferably

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Healthcare, life and disability insurance
  • A generous 401k plan
  • At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
  • Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
  • Professional development programs
  • Employee discounts
  • Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.

Please click here to view the full job description for this role.

Please click here to review your rights under U.S. employment laws.

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Pay Range

USD $220,000.00 - USD $250,000.00 /Yr.

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