Senior Counsel, Labor and Employment

Requisition ID: 280309 

•  Relocation Authorized: None 
• Telework Type: Part-Time Telework 
• Work Location: Various Permanent Bechtel Office Locations 

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

The Senior Counsel provides legal advice and guidance to the Bechtel Nuclear, Security & Environmental (NS&E) global business unit (GBU) on matters affecting Bechtel business related to this skillset. The work is typically complex and challenging, involving issues that are unique and require a high degree of original and creative thought for their solution. The work performed by the NS&E GBU covers both government work (for customers such as DOE, DOD, NASA), as well commercial nuclear power (both domestic and international) therefore, the Senior Counsel will handle matters that span both sectors of work.

The position reports to the General Counsel of NS&E, with regular engagement and interaction with Bechtel’s Manager of Global Labor and Employment Law and the Global Labor and Employment Law team.   

Job Summary:

This position has responsibility for managing assigned employment and labor-related matters working closely with both senior management, Labor Relations, and Human Resources.

The specific duties and responsibilities of the position include the following: management and handling of domestic and international labor and/or employment litigation matters; investigating, responding and advising on state, federal and international government administrative actions; advice on data privacy matters, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related laws; advice and counsel on strategic domestic and international labor and industrial relations issues, collectively bargained benefits programs, and individual grievance matters; preparing and presenting training across a variety of labor and employment issues; and supporting internal customers  in the development of policies and best practices. 

The position requires determination of case strategy; effective communication to management regarding litigation developments and costs; retention and management of outside counsel and internal resources in accordance with Bechtel litigation objectives and case budgets; management of Bechtel compliance with discovery requirements, including e-discovery obligations, and supervision of Legal Assistant case support; representation of Bechtel at settlement conferences, mediations and arbitrations; preparation of Bechtel witnesses for deposition; and representation of Bechtel with respect to government audits and internal investigations.

"This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework policy and may require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership”

Major Responsibilities:

• Acts as an advisor to a one or more business lines, large projects and/or functions on a range of legal issues. Makes legal determinations on matters of substantial importance to the business 
• Advises on the legal aspects and implications of regulations or laws affecting the organization, prospects, and projects 
• Assists in developing recommendations for decisions having an important bearing on the organization’s business, including assisting in the development of internal policy approval requests 
• Deals with company officers and management and confers or negotiates regularly with senior attorneys and officials in other companies or in government agencies on various aspects of the work 
• Conducts legal, partner and customer due diligence, proactively leading business partners through the relevant laws and policies that dictate the requirements 
• Reviews and finalizes lower value prime contracts, subcontracts, proposals, and other documents. Negotiates (with others) moderately complex, higher value contracts with clients 
• Negotiates, drafts, and finalizes contracts with subcontractors, associates and vendors 
• Performs the principal legal work in non-routine major areas including assisting in arranging financing for projects or other matters of significance 
• Manages claims, disputes, litigation/arbitration and investigations, complex administrative proceedings, employment and labor relations matters, and occupational health/safety matters 
• Often first chair in a negotiation/disputes context. 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• J.D. with strong educational background
• 10 or more years labor, employment and litigation experience with major firm and/or in house labor/employment group (both U.S. and international)
• Admitted to practice law in one or more jurisdictions

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Significant experience handling labor and employment matters related to government projects (e.g., DOE, DOD, NASA)
• Experience with Davis Bacon Act, Service Contract Act, and Inflation Reduction Act compliance
• Experience with a broad variety of case types, including class actions, arbitrations, single plaintiff litigation, and administrative actions both in and outside of the U.S.
• Experience in responding to global governmental audits and investigations
• Collegial approach to the practice of law
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure; strong initiative
• Exceptional analytical and investigative skills, with strong attention to detail
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Experience interfacing with executive management, and high level of client service skills
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly
• Other areas of legal experience and background are of interest, as opportunities may exist to provide legal support beyond labor and employment law
• Grade Level 29: the grade level hired will be commensurate with the professional training and experience of the candidate 

Total Rewards/Benefits

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com