In-house Employment Counsel

Job Duties

Dorsey is seeking an in-house Employment Counsel to join a proactive and collaborative team, working on the firm’s internal personnel matters. In addition to compliance and sound business practices, we support and engage an inclusive and high-performing workforce. As a strategic counselor, you will partner with HR colleagues and Firm management on a variety of personnel issues and assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and training curriculum to support key business objectives. We value creativity, flexibility, and pragmatism, in addition to sound guidance around risks and compliance.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic advice to Firm management and HR colleagues on full range of personnel matters, including hiring, performance management, terminations, leaves and accommodations, payroll and benefits compliance, wage and hour matters, workplace complaints, and prevention of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.

• Maintain knowledge of industry trends related to employment practices and ensure the Firm’s compliance with legal requirements, as well as Firm policy. Plan and conduct compliance audits periodically.

• Partner with HR colleagues to develop and conduct in-house training sessions.

• Draft and update personnel policies and identify and implement best practices in light of current law and Firm initiatives.

• Draft or review performance-related documentation (warnings, performance evaluations, talking points, etc.) and informative communications related to policy changes or new laws.

• Draft personnel agreements (e.g., severance, relocation, change in status, consultant, etc.) and maintain appropriate templates.

• Conduct investigations regarding personnel matters, including discrimination and harassment complaints.

• As needed, prepare the Firm’s response to state and federal administrative charges. Coordinate and manage litigation holds.

• Support the Firm’s Office of General Counsel and Firm Employment Counsel.

• Assume such other duties as directed.

• Some travel is required.

What we’re looking for:

• J.D. from accredited law school and admission to a state bar.

• At least five years advising clients/employers as a lawyer on personnel matters, including without limitation, leaves of absence, reasonable accommodations, and wage and hour laws (up to two years of prior management or HR experience may be counted as relevant experience for this requirement).

• Strong knowledge of various employment laws, including the ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and FLSA.

• Familiarity with data-backed investigations and data collection procedures.

• General knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources administration.

• Strong conflict resolution skills and experience.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with personnel at all levels.

• Ability to work well under pressure and to manage and prioritize competing demands.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Experience advising multi-state employers.

• Ability to work in the office on a hybrid basis multiple days per week.

Preferred:

• Prior in-house employment counsel and/or human resources experience.

• Experience advising clients in a professional services setting.

About Dorsey:

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across a diverse range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.

One of our greatest strengths is a friendly, cooperative culture that values and appreciates each individual. Dorsey has received external recognition for our welcoming workplace, including:

• Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)

• Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)

• 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)

• Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)

• Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Reasonable Accommodations:

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.

How to Apply:

Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the “Careers” section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs and complete Dorsey’s online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.

The pay range for this position in Minnesota only is an annual salary of $156,000 to $238,000.

This range represents Dorsey’s good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through November 13, 2026.

Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Minimum Education Required

• J.D. from accredited law school and admission to a state bar.

Minimum Experience Required

• At least five years advising clients/employers as a lawyer on personnel matters, including without limitation, leaves of absence, reasonable accommodations, and wage and hour laws (up to two years of prior management or HR experience may be counted as relevant experience for this requirement).

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Compensation

$156,000.00 - $238,000.00 / Annually

Postal Code

55402

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

Hybrid

Requisition ID

5012

Job Benefits

Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender. Dorsey’s benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution; basic and optional life insurance; short and long-term disability; paid time off; up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth; paid holidays; paid volunteer day; discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible); adoption assistance; healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts; back-up child and elder care program; education and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)