Counsel I (Legal)

SAG-AFTRA is the iconic American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals. The Counsel I role is designed to protect the interests of SAG-AFTRA and its members by enforcing contracts through arbitration and litigation, while also providing legal advice to various departments within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of arbitration matters, concerning contract and NLRA-related member grievances against signatory producers and distributors
• Under supervision, represent SAG-AFTRA and its members in state and federal court in various litigation matters, including but not limited to disputes between members and producers/distributors/agents, based on state and federal law, and SAG-AFTRA contracts
• Under supervision, represent SAG-AFTRA in administrative proceedings, and state and federal court regarding litigation brought by or against SAG-AFTRA, including but not limited to disputes with members, vendors, and/or employees
• Advise department staff as to legal rights pursuant to relevant contracts (e.g.., non-disclosure agreements, real-estate documents, etc.), state and federal law (labor and otherwise), and other legally relevant issues (HR-related issues, website privacy policy, etc.)
• Prepare legal opinions and documents that interpret applicable laws, rulings (arbitration and other), the SAG-AFTRA constitution and contracts, and various regulations related to applicable law
• Prepare agreements and contracts pursuant to departmental requests
• Conduct legal and factual research regarding specific departmental issues
• Assist in assessment of internal documents, policies, etc., for legal compliance, and advise SAG-AFTRA personnel appropriately
• Negotiate terms and provisions of various contracts (i.e.., vendor contracts, etc.)
• Resolve informally disputes between SAG-AFTRA (for itself and on behalf of SAG-AFTRA members) and third parties, in an effort to preempt litigation
• Provide general information and assistance to SAG-AFTRA members in areas related to their work under SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements

Skills

• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity
• Negotiating skills - able to negotiate with diplomacy
• Able to work under pressure and independently
• Capable of taking direction from more than one supervisor
• Able to professionally deal with irate, hostile, and/or difficult personalities
• Able to respond to member and third party calls in a timely manner
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged
• Detail oriented
• Proficient on Lexis Nexis and/or Bloomberg Law
• Must be proficient in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and PC applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
• Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines
• Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of patience and tact
• Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, both internally and externally
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such a level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA's sole discretion
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours (and/or overtime for applicable non-exempt positions) per day or per week, including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs
• A Juris Doctor or LLB degree from an ABA accredited law school or equivalent and at least one year's experience as a practicing attorney or its equivalent
• Must provide a substantive legal writing sample
• Active membership in the State Bar of California
• Background in labor or entertainment law preferred

Benefits

• Affordable and comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Generous pension plan
• Employee discounts and perks

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