Director, Corporate Counsel – Labor & Employment – (Remote-Canada OR United States)
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.
As a Starbucks director, corporate counsel – Labor & Employment, you will play an integral role in helping a highly complex, fast-paced organization by acting as a legal advisor to internal clients on labor and employment matters. This role requires effectively conveying legal risk, while also identifying solutions to achieve business objectives in compliance with our Mission and Values.
You will support multiple client groups and will provide legal counsel to business leaders and our Partner Resources (HR) team on a wide range of labor and employment matters in Canada and the United States. This includes claims of harassment, discrimination and retaliation; performance management, disciplinary action and separations; leaves of absence, workplace accommodations and benefits; business restructuring and job eliminations; and compliance with local, state and federal labor and employment regulations. You will also work with and oversee outside counsel and in-house paralegals to respond to agency charges and lawsuits filed against the company.
Leveraging your previous experience, you will have the opportunity to:
- Guide – Clearly and concisely provide strategic labor and employment counsel to Starbucks retail operations teams in Canada, as well as those businesses and functions that collaborate with and support the business in the United States.
- Collaborate – Establish highly collaborative relationships with clients, peers, and external constituents to provide cross-functional support for business clients, 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, business acumen, pragmatic problem-solving and proactive counsel are sought out by clients.
We’d Love To Hear From People With
- At least 12 years of relevant experience practicing labor and employment law in a law firm and/or in-house legal department
- Comprehensive knowledge of Canadian employment laws and experience counseling business clients on a wide range of employment matters, including discrimination, harassment, workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, performance management, separations and corporate reorganizations
- Comprehensive knowledge of Canadian labor laws and experience counseling business clients on a wide range of labor relations matters
- General knowledge of United States employment laws and experience counseling business clients on a wide range of employment matters
- Significant experience managing labor and employment litigation, including agency charges, arbitrations, grievances, single-plaintiff cases and class actions
- Demonstrated experience overseeing internal investigations alleging unlawful employment actions, wage and hour compliance audits, and/or labor and employment policy reviews
- Ability to build interdepartmental relationships at all levels and drive consensus on legal matters among multiple stakeholders
- Experience managing outside counsel to ensure efficiency and fiscal prudence
- Demonstrated history of challenging the status quo, identifying improvements to mitigate systemic risks and working with stakeholders to implement solutions
- Experience with retail business operations is a plus, but not required
- Experience and judgment necessary to operate with significant autonomy in advising leaders at all levels from first-line managers to senior executives
- J.D. from accredited law school
- Licensed to practice law and an active member in good standing of at least one bar organization in Canada and/or the United States
- Willing and able to travel, as needed, to manage legal matters and support business clients
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.
Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 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. 
