Associate Corporate Legal Counsel

Duties & Responsibilities

• Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal advice and guidance on a wide range of labor and employment matters, including employee discipline, termination, wage and hour issues, benefits, and workplace policies.

• Case Management: Manage all labor-related cases, from internal disciplinary processes to external litigation. This includes representing the company in mandatory arbitration at the DOLE SENA level and litigation at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

• Compliance and Policy: Ensure all company policies and procedures are in full compliance with the Philippine Labor Code, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regulations, and other statutory requirements.

• Documentation and Agreements: Draft and review all employment-related documents, including employment contracts, regularization notices, employee handbooks, and mutual separation agreements.

• Training and Development: Develop and conduct training sessions for management and HR on best practices in labor relations, legal compliance, and effective disciplinary procedures.

• Internal Investigations: Conduct and oversee internal investigations into employee misconduct, harassment, or other workplace issues.

Key Stakeholders

Mainly the Operations Department, but also provides support to the other support functions departments

Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously.

•  Mentoring and coaching of junior attorneys and paralegals

Competencies

Expertise in Philippine Labor Law

This is the foundational competency. The lawyer must have an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Philippine Labor Code: A comprehensive knowledge of all provisions, including employee rights, wages, benefits, and working conditions.

• Case Law and Jurisprudence: An up-to-date understanding of landmark decisions from the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the Supreme Court that set legal precedents.

• Disciplinary Process: The ability to design and oversee a legally compliant internal disciplinary process, from issuing a Notice to Explain (NTE) to conducting hearings.

• Termination: Expertise in the legal grounds and procedures for both just and authorized causes of termination to avoid claims of illegal dismissal.

• Labor Disputes: Proven experience in handling cases before DOLE and NLRC.

Strategic and Business Acumen

A great labor lawyer doesn't just know the law; they understand the business. This includes the ability to:

• Risk Management: Proactively identify and assess potential labor-related risks. They should be able to provide practical, business-oriented solutions to mitigate these risks.

• Conflict Resolution: Strong negotiation and mediation skills to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently, avoiding costly and time-consuming litigation whenever possible.

• Policy Development: The ability to draft clear, concise, and legally compliant policies, handbooks, and contracts that protect the company's interests while also being fair to employees.

• Business Partnership: The capacity to work closely with HR, management, and other departments. They should be able to translate legal concepts into actionable business strategies and be seen as a trusted advisor, not a roadblock.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication is crucial for this role, which involves sensitive and often high-stakes conversations. A competent labor lawyer should have:

• Clarity and Simplicity: The ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language to non-legal stakeholders.

• Confidentiality and Discretion: A high level of integrity and the ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.

• Empathy and Objectivity: The skill to approach emotionally charged situations with empathy for all parties while remaining objective and focused on legal and business principles.

• Persuasive Communication: The ability to advocate effectively for the company's position in negotiations and formal proceedings.

Relevant Experience Required

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a reputable law school.

• Admission to the Philippine Bar is a requirement.

• At least 5 years of experience in labor and employment law, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience.

• Demonstrable experience in handling labor litigation before the NLRC and other quasi-judicial bodies.

• Strong knowledge of the Philippine Labor Code and related jurisprudence.

Educational and Certification Requirements

PH Bar Passer and Lawyer.

Equal Opportunity Employer: At Athena, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace environment. We believe that diversity enriches our organization, enhances creativity, and drives innovation. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We actively promote diversity and inclusion through our hiring practices, employee development initiatives, and company culture, recognizing that it is essential for our success as a company and as a community.