Mueller is seeking an experienced Labor & Employment paralegal to support the Labor and Employment attorney in our Legal Department as well as members of the Human Resources Department.  The position may be remote (Atlanta preferred).  The candidate must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment when required. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, have good judgment, excellent interpersonal skills and strong attention to detail.  Strong analytical and computer/technical skills required. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of labor and employment law experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Works under the direction and supervision of the Senior Employment Counsel to provide legal support to enterprise entities. 

Works collaboratively with attorneys, business partners, human resources team members, other teammates, outside counsel, and outside vendors, performing a wide variety of duties. 

Communicates effectively with Legal Department teammates, business partners, and government agencies.

Serves as initial point of contact for questions to the Legal Department, assists in managing work flow for the Senior Employment Counsel and monitors/tracks projects and related legal matters while managing related reports, tools, and databases. 

Manages and delegates projects to outside counsel, with an ability to identify and articulate to outside counsel what needs to be done on particular matters such as EEOC charges, lawsuits, government agency investigations, labor arbitrations, and other general employment matters.

Manages legal matters, including litigation holds, investigations, due diligence, discovery, deadlines, case management, case files and other responsibilities and assignments as required by the Senior Employment Counsel.

Handles document management, including but not limited to, managing case files, review of documents for responsiveness, organization of documents, and compiling information for discovery responses/pleadings/motions, depositions and trial preparation.

Drafts documents for attorney review, including litigation pleadings, motions and supporting memoranda / exhibits, position statements, affidavits and declarations, corporate disclosure statements, written discovery requests and objections / responses thereto, settlement agreements, and other documents.

Conducts basic legal research through WestLaw or other electronic legal research platforms.

Conducts fact investigation and analysis, evidence gathering, and organizes discovery materials.

May assist the Senior Employment Counsel or outside counsel in witness interviews, preparing witnesses for depositions, and government agency interviews.

Coordinates signatures on contracts and other documents, as needed. 

Facilitates document production (hard copy and electronic formats).

Work with and assist the Legal Department staff that manages litigation databases, supports discovery processes, and manages reporting requirements as necessary.

Manages, reviews, and responds to employment law requests, including responding to and processing employee personnel file requests, subpoenas, and other legal process concerning employees.

Leads and manages L&E compliance projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project metrics and goals.

Develops, manages, and reports appropriate metrics on L&E compliance and litigation matters (including administrative charges, demand letters, and arbitrations)

Audit and evaluate the effectiveness of current compliance programs and recommend improvements.

Reviews and provides guidance to Human Resources on policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Assists with the design and implementation of L&E compliance training programs for employees, managers, and Human Resources.

Handles routine wage garnishments, including required internal communications to ensure compliance.

Reviews pre-employment background checks for policy compliance.

Assists in managing and communicating with external immigration counsel regarding business immigration-related matters.

Assists in preparing quarterly Bordereaux reports for EPLI claims.

Manages data collection process for annual compliance reporting (AAPs, EEO-1, IL & CA pay data reports).

Other tasks assigned by the Senior Employment Counsel.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Requirement: 

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Paralegal Certificate preferred (certification may be required in certain states).

8+ years of labor and employment law experience, either in a law firm or corporate legal department.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:

Superior verbal and written communication skills.

Strong attention to detail and superior organizational and analytical skills.

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook) and other office tools, including document review software, eDiscovery platforms, and other technological tools and applications.

Familiarity with Westlaw and other similar electronic legal research platforms, as well as with federal and state e-filing and electronic court records systems (e.g., PACER, CM/ECF, etc.).

Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision, applying analytical and critical thinking skills, and being open to change. Able to work in a team environment when required.   

Demonstrates willingness and ability to be proactive, takes the lead and is accountable for performance.

Strong prioritization and time management skills.  Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines, have good judgment, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills. 

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to understand and utilize math concepts related to wage & hour issues.

Excellent computer/technical skills required. 

Ability to maintain data integrity.

Excellent research and investigation skills.

Advanced knowledge and appreciation for the subtleties in applicable laws and regulations. Strong and consistent ability to spot legal, regulatory and risk management issues.

Well-organized, ability to identify, track and manage legal and other deadlines.

Strong project management and leadership skills.

Must possess superior judgment and discretion and be able to protect and maintain sensitive and highly confidential information.

Ability and flexibility to travel to different facilities for events and/or meetings, as needed.

Travel: 15%

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by law.