corporate counsel-Litigation (Hybrid-US/ Seattle) 

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrates coffee and its rich tradition, but that creates a feeling of connection. We develop and support partners (employees) who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

“We’re in the people business serving coffee, not the coffee business serving people.”

– Howard Schultz, chairman emeritus, Starbucks Coffee Company

 

As corporate counsel – Litigation, you will be a key member of the Litigation team. You will manage a high volume of general liability matters, including premises liability, product liability, and personal injury claims. You will also manage discrimination and ADA claims and lawsuits. In your role, you will oversee litigation from pre-suit through resolution and trial. You will play an integral role in helping a complex, fast paced organization in a rapidly changing environment adhere to its mission and values by ensuring that we properly manage and assess litigation risk while balancing business objectives, offering solutions, holding each other accountable, and treating partners (employees) with respect and dignity.  You will support multiple client groups and use your judgment and experience to protect the Starbucks brand. You will work cross-functionally with a number of internal business units.  You will work with and oversee outside counsel and in-house paralegals to defend lawsuits and other claims filed against the company.  In addition to retail clients, you will advise functional support groups on issues of compliance, accommodations, public relations and more.  Experience in the retail, food and beverage industry is a plus.

Leveraging your previous experience, we will enable you to:

Lead – Effectively manage litigation and pre-litigation matters, including general liability, real estate, Title III ADA/Accessibility, and discrimination matters in a manner that achieves organizational objectives, is fiscally responsible, and protects the Starbucks brand. Guide – Clearly and concisely communicate strategic legal counseling to Starbucks risk management, retail operations, store development and public affairs teams, as well as the adjacent businesses and functions that collaborate with and support the business. Collaborate – Work with a collaborative and supportive team of established attorneys, paralegals, and eDiscovery professionals and establish highly collaborative relationships with clients, outside counsel, and with other legal department partners (employees) to provide cross-functional support for the business, including helping paralegals and other support staff to succeed. Be a Trusted Advisor – Help advance business objectives and mitigate risk by acting as a trusted advisor whose strategic thinking, pragmatic problem-solving and proactive counsel are sought out by clients. 

We’d love to hear from people with:

4+ years of relevant litigation experience in a law firm or in-house legal department, ideally with focus on premises liability, product liability, personal injury, and tort claims. Experience managing high volume of cases, including in the areas of general liability/personal injury, real estate, Title III ADA/Accessibility, and discrimination. Experience managing outside counsel to ensure efficiency and fiscal prudence. Experience working effectively with cross-functional groups. Strong understanding of case valuation and risk assessment. Experience and proficiency managing e-Discovery. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both orally and in writing. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Collaborative and team-oriented. Reliable and responsive. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. J.D. from accredited law school and licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

*If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

If you live in the greater Seattle area, we offer a flexible workplace that allows for hybrid work. Partners can work remotely up to two days per week.

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. Starbucks Corporation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com