Legal Counsel

​Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) is the world’s foremost advisor on executive leadership, driving superior client performance through premier human capital leadership advisory services. For more than 70 years, we’ve delivered value for our clients by leveraging unrivaled expertise to help organizations discover and enable outstanding leaders and teams. Learn more at www.heidrick.com

Job Description:

Who We Are:

Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of the world's top organizations. In our role as trusted leadership advisors, we partner with our clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations, bringing together our services and offerings in executive search, diversity and inclusion, leadership assessment and development, organization and team acceleration, culture shaping and on-demand, independent talent solutions. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 70 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated talent and human capital solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time.®  

Additional information on the firm can be found at www.heidrick.com. 

The Role:

Heidrick & Struggles is seeking a dynamic Legal Counsel to join our legal team in a unique dual role that combines both employment and transactional responsibilities. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide expert legal advice and support across various aspects of our business operations as well as across geographic regions. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, advising on employment matters, as well as contractual matters including employee contracts, client engagement letters and other commercial agreements. You will also conduct legal research and support other projects as directed by the Assistant General Counsel. This position requires strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment on a global level.  If you are looking for a role that offers diverse legal challenges and the chance to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities:

Employment & Litigation

• Draft, review and analyze employment-related agreements, including employee and independent contractor agreements, non-compete and confidentiality agreements and separation agreements.
• Assist in the review, updating, and implementation of company policies, procedures, training and education, as needed to comply with state, federal and international employment laws.
• Provide legal advice, counseling and support on a broad range of employment law matters, including recruiting, employee relations, compensation and benefits, leaves of absence, workplace investigations, and separations.
• Collaborate with other legal team members to provide legal input and guidance during organizational changes such as mergers, acquisitions and workforce restructuring.
• Provide support for employment-related litigation and respond to subpoena requests.

Transactional/Cross-Functional

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, agreements, and legal documents, and manage the negotiation process as needed.
• Assist in creating new or updated template agreements, playbooks, and operational processes to support efficient contracting within the Legal Department.
• Serve as the point person for internal stakeholders, external clients, and vendors in negotiating client and vendor contracts.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support decision-making processes.
• Prepare and deliver training programs on legal topics to educate employees and promote compliance awareness.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Stay informed about relevant legal developments, industry trends, and best practices to inform decision-making and proactively address legal issues.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree in Law (or equivalent) and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Qualified lawyer with approximately three to five years of post-qualification experience at a reputable law firm or in-house.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and credibility with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to support and drive business objectives.
• Commercially minded, strategic thinker and personable team player able to balance commercial needs and legal risks and clearly explain reasoning to both lawyers and non-lawyers.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent collaboration skills with team members, both in person and virtually.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound judgment with respect to sensitive information.
• A demonstrated track record of success meeting deadlines with a high attention to detail and flexibility to pivot as needed.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with a proven ability to prioritize work.
• Demonstrates humility and prudence asking questions when needed.
• Supports and promotes other legal team initiatives and assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some familiarity with international employment issues
• Some prior experience litigating employment matters
• Fluency in additional languages highly desired.
• A demonstrated ability to think independently and solve novel problems creatively.
• Demonstrated motivation to achieve, work independently, and take initiative.

Pay Range Guidelines for this Position:

The salary range for this position is 110000 USD to 150000 USD. Compensation is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience and skills. In addition to your salary, Heidrick & Struggles offers discretionary bonuses (subject to eligibility requirements) and a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, disability leave, parental leave, paid time off and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Note: we have a location based compensation structure; there may be a different range for candidates in other locations.

Heidrick & Struggles is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or citizenship status.